Devices, systems and methods for locating and interacting with medicament delivery systems

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, a method includes establishing a communications link between a computing device and an adapter. The adapter is configured to receive at least a portion of a medicament delivery device. A wireless signal is received to maintain the communications link. A relative position between the computing device and the adapter is determined. An alarm is produced when the wireless signal is not received within a time period. The alarm is based on the relative position between the computing device and the adapter

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2013/077996, filed Dec. 27, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/746,308, entitled “Devices, Systems and Methods for Locating and Interacting with Medicament Delivery Systems,” filed Dec. 27, 2012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to a medical device, and more particularly to a medicament delivery device, and/or a simulated medicament delivery device having a locating feature, as well as devices for interacting with such medicament delivery devices and/or simulated medicament delivery devices.

Exposure to certain substances, such as, for example, peanuts, shellfish, bee venom, certain drugs, toxins, and the like, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Such allergic reactions can, at times, lead to anaphylactic shock, which can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, hives, and/or severe airway constriction. Accordingly, responding rapidly to mitigate the effects from such exposures can prevent injury and/or death. For example, in certain situations, an injection of epinephrine (i.e., adrenaline) can provide substantial and/or complete relief from the allergic reaction. In other situations, for example, an injection of an antidote to a toxin can greatly reduce and/or eliminate the harm potentially caused by the exposure. Because emergency medical facilities may not be available when an individual is suffering from an allergic reaction, some individuals carry a medicament delivery device, such as, for example, an auto-injector, to rapidly self-administer a medicament in response to an allergic reaction.

As another example, naloxone is a medicament that prevents and/or reverses the effects of opioids. Known formulations of naloxone can be used, for example, to treat respiratory depression and other indications that result from opioid toxicity. For example, known formulations for naloxone can be used to reverse and/or mitigate the effects of an overdose of a drug containing opioids, such as, for example, heroin. In such situations, it is desirable to deliver the naloxone formulation quickly and in a manner that will produce a rapid onset of action. Known methods for delivering naloxone intranasally or via injection, however, often involve completing a series of operations that, if not done properly, can limit the effectiveness of the naloxone formulation. Moreover, because naloxone is often administered during an emergency situation, even experienced and/or trained users may be subject to confusion and/or panic, thereby compromising the delivery of the naloxone formulation.

As yet another example, glucagon is a medicament that is administered to treat patients suffering from hypoglycemia. In certain situations, the onset of hypoglycemia can cause the patient to lose motor coordination and/or lose consciousness. Thus, glucagon is often administered by a care giver during an emergency situation.

In the above-identified examples, as we well as other instances, the individual requiring the injection may be incapacitated and may unable to inform bystanders of the nature of the medical emergency, that a medicament delivery device is available, and/or how to use the medicament delivery device. If bystanders remain unaware of the availability and location of the medicament delivery device, or are unable to administer the medicament, important medical aid may not be delivered. In addition, to actuate some known medicament delivery device, the user may be required to execute a series of operations. For example, to actuate some known auto-injectors, the user must remove a protective cap, remove a locking device, place the auto-injector in a proper position against the body and then press a button to actuate the auto-injector. Failure to complete these operations properly can result in an incomplete injection and/or injection into an undesired location of the body. In certain instances, for example, users who have become confused in the operation of some known auto-injectors have inadvertently injected the medicament into their thumb by improperly positioning the auto-injector.

The likelihood of improper use of known medicament delivery devices can be compounded by the nature of the user and/or the circumstances under which such devices are used. For example, many users are not trained medical professionals and may have never been trained in the operation of such devices. Moreover, in certain situations, the user may not be the patient, or primary caregiver, and may therefore have no experience with the medicament delivery device. Similarly, because some known medicament delivery devices are configured to be used relatively infrequently in response to an allergic reaction or the like, even those users familiar with the device and/or who have been trained may not be well practiced at operating the device. Finally, such devices are often used during an emergency situation, during which even experienced and/or trained users may be subject to confusion, panic, and/or the physiological effects of the condition requiring treatment.

Some known medicament delivery devices include printed instructions to inform the user of the steps required to properly deliver the medicament. Such printed instructions, however, can be inadequate for the class of users and/or the situations described above. Moreover, because some known medicament delivery devices, such as, for example, auto-injectors, pen injectors, inhalers or the like, can be compact, such printed instructions may be too small to read and comprehend during an emergency situation.

Some known medicament delivery devices are associated with simulated medicament delivery devices (e.g., “trainers”) to provide a method for users to practice using the medicament delivery device without being exposed to the medicament and/or needles typically contained therein. Such simulated medicament delivery devices, however, can also include inadequate use instructions as described above.

Monitoring the patient's compliance with known medicament delivery devices can also be problematic. For example, some known treatment regimens include multiple doses of a medicament that must be administered in a timely fashion and/or in a particular order to ensure effectiveness (e.g., certain vaccination regimens). Thus, monitoring the patient's compliance is an important aspect in ensuring that the treatment method will be effective. Some known medicament delivery systems include a medicament delivery device and an electronic system to assist the user in setting the proper dosage and/or maintaining a compliance log. Such known medicament delivery systems and the accompanying electronic systems can be large and therefore not conveniently carried by the user. Such known medicament delivery systems and the accompanying electronic systems can also be complicated to use and/or expensive to manufacture. Moreover, some known medicament delivery systems include sensors disposed within the medicament delivery path, which can interfere with the delivery, result in contamination, or the like.

Thus, a need exists for medicament delivery systems and/or devices that allow a medicament delivery device to be quickly identified and located, and provide instructions that can be easily understood by a user in any type of situation. Additionally, a need exists for simulated medicament delivery systems and/or devices that can provide instructions and that can be reused multiple times. Moreover, a need exists for medicament delivery systems and/or devices that can provide compliance information associated with the use of the device and/or that can communicate electronically with other communications devices.

SUMMARY

System and methods to facilitate wireless communications with medicament delivery devices and simulated medicament delivery devices are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes establishing a communications link between a computing device and an adapter. The adapter is configured to receive at least a portion of a medicament delivery device. A wireless signal is received to maintain the communications link. A relative position between the computing device and the adapter is determined. An alarm is produced when the wireless signal is not received within a time period. The alarm is based on the relative position between the computing device and the adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a medicament delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a medicament delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a medical injector according to an embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3 with the cover removed.

FIG. 6 is a back view of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3 with the cover removed.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a portion of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a housing of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a housing of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a proximal cap of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a medicament delivery mechanism of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a back view of an electronic circuit system of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a portion of the electronic circuit system of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the electronic circuit system of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a front view of an electronic circuit system housing of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the electronic circuit system housing of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a battery clip of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic circuit system of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3, in a first configuration.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3 in a first configuration showing the electronic circuit system.

FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 are front views of a portion of the electronic circuit system of the medical injector labeled as Region Z in FIG. 20 in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, respectively.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are perspective views of a cover of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a safety lock of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the safety lock of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the safety lock of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a needle sheath of the safety lock of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 26.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a base of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 31 is a front view of the base of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 32 is a back view of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3 in a second configuration.

FIG. 33 is a back view of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3 in a third configuration.

FIG. 34 is a back view of the medical injector illustrated in FIG. 3 in a fourth configuration.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring device, a locator device, and a medicament delivery device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram of a locator device, a medicament delivery device and a medicament container according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 37 and 38 are a signal diagrams representing communications between a patient, a monitoring device, a communication device, a locator device, a medicament delivery device, and a user according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 39 to 41 are isometric views of a kit containing a medicament container in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram showing the interactions between a patient/user, a medicament delivery device, a docking case, a communication device, and a communication network according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 43 and 44 are schematic diagrams of a docking case coupled to a medicament delivery device and a communication device in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,082, entitled “Devices Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery,” filed Feb. 5, 2007, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,573, entitled “Medicament Delivery Device Having an Electronic Circuit System,” filed May 12, 2008, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The medicament delivery systems shown and described herein can be used in conjunction with any suitable medicament delivery device and/or medicament container such that the medicament delivery device and/or medicament container can be easily accessed, identified and located, as described herein. In some embodiments, the medicament delivery device can be a medical injector, such as a pen injector, a prefilled syringe, an auto-injector or the like.

As one example, FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a medical injector 1000, according to an embodiment of the invention. The medical injector 1000 includes a housing 1110, a medicament container 1560, a medicament delivery member 1512 and an electronic circuit system 1900. The housing 1110 includes a sidewall 1148 that defines a first region 1157 and a second region 1153 within the housing 1110. More particularly, the sidewall 1148 physically isolates the first region 1157 from the second region 1153. Said another way, the sidewall 1148 is devoid of openings such that the first region 1157 is fluidically and/or physically isolated from the second region 1153. Said yet another way, the sidewall 1148 is disposed between the first region 1157 and the second region 1153 such that the first region 1157 is separated from the second region 1153. Although the first region 1157 and the second region 1153 are shown in FIG. 1 as being two-dimensional areas, in some embodiments, the first region 1157 and/or the second region 1153, can be fully enclosed volumes within the housing, and/or volumes within the housing 1110 having an opening to an area outside of the housing. Similarly stated, the first region and/or the second region can be cavities, defined by the housing 1110 and/or the sidewall 1148.

The medicament container 1560, which can be, for example, a pre-filled cartridge, a prefilled syringe, a vial, an ampule or the like, is disposed within the first region 1157 of the housing 1110. At least a portion of the medicament delivery member 1512 is disposed within the first region 1157 of the housing 1110. In some configurations, the medicament delivery member 1512 can be in fluid communication with the medicament container 1560. In this manner, a medicament can be conveyed from the medicament container 1560 to a region outside the housing 1110 via the medicament delivery member 1512. The medicament delivery member 1512 can include, for example, a needle and/or a nozzle.

At least a portion of the electronic circuit system 1900 is disposed within the second region 1153 of the housing 1110. Accordingly, the portion of the electronic circuit system 1900 is disposed within the housing 1110 such that the portion of the electronic circuit system 1900 is fluidically and/or physically isolated from the medicament container 1560 and/or the medicament delivery member 1512.

The electronic circuit system 1900 is configured to output an electronic output OP1 associated with a use of the medical injector 1000. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic output OP1 can be associated with an instruction for using the medical injector 1000. In other embodiments, the electronic output OP1 can be a post-use instruction, such as, for example, a recorded message notifying the user that the injection is complete, instructing the user on post-injection disposal and safety procedures, instructing the user to seek post-injection medical treatment, and/or the like. In yet other embodiments, the electronic output OP1 can be associated with the patient's compliance in using medical injector 1000, such as, alerting the user when to use the medical injector, outputting use of the medical injector, locating the medical injector, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the electronic output OP1 can be associated with an actuation of the medical injector 1000. Said another way, the electronic circuit system 1900 can be configured to output the electronic output OP1 in response to actuation of the medical injector 1000.

The electronic output OP1 can be, for example, a visual output such as, for example, a text message to display on a screen (not shown), and/or an LED. In some embodiments, the electronic output OP1 can be an audio output, such as, for example, recorded speech, a series of tones, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the electronic output OP1 can be a wireless signal configured to be received by a remote device.

The medical injector 1000 can be any suitable medical injector for injecting medicament into a body of a patient. For example, the medical injector 1000 can be a syringe, pen injector, auto-injector or the like. In some embodiments, the medical injector 1000 can be a chronic-care injector. Said another way, the medical injector 1000 can be a reusable device containing multiple doses of medicament. For example, a medical injector 1000 having multiple doses of medicament can be used to manage insulin delivery or the delivery of other medicaments (e.g., to treat Multiple Sclerosis, Anemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Seizures, Osteoporosis or the like), which can require daily, weekly, and/or monthly injections. In other embodiments, the medical injector 1000 can be a single-use device. Said another way, the medical injector 1000 can contain a single dose of medicament. In some embodiments, medical injector 1000 can include the same dosage of a medicament, and can be prescribed as a part of a chronic-care medicament regimen, clinical trial, or the like. In other embodiments, medical injector 1000 can include different dosages, multiple doses and/or different medicament compositions.

The sidewall 1148 can be any suitable structure to isolate the first region 1157 within the housing 1110 from the second region 1153 within the housing 1110. In some embodiments, the sidewall 1148 can be rigid. In other embodiments, the sidewall 1148 can be a movable member such as, for example, a piston. In yet other embodiments, the sidewall 1148 can be a flexible member such as, for example, a diaphragm. In some embodiments, the sidewall 1148 can be constructed from a transparent material such that light can pass from the first region 1157 to the second region 1153, and vice versa. A transparent sidewall can be used in conjunction with an optical sensor. The sidewall 1148 can be integrally formed with the housing 1110 or can be formed separately from the housing 1110.

The electronic circuit system 1900 can include any suitable electronic components operatively coupled to produce and/or output the electronic output OP1 and/or to perform the functions described herein. The electronic circuit system 1900 can be similar to the electronic circuit systems described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/621,236, entitled “Devices, Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery,” filed Jan. 9, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a medicament delivery device 2000 that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods described herein. The medicament delivery device 2000 includes a housing 2110, a medicament container 2560, a medicament delivery member 2512 and an electronic circuit system 2900. The medicament container 2560, which can be, for example, a pre-filled cartridge, a vial, an ampule or the like, is disposed within the housing 2110. At least a portion of the medicament delivery member 2512 is disposed within the housing 2110. The medicament delivery member 2512 can include any suitable member configured to convey a medicament from the medicament container 2560 to a location within a patient's body. For example, in some embodiments, the medicament delivery member 2512 can be a needle, a nozzle, and/or an inhaler mouth piece.

In use, the medicament delivery member 2512 can be in fluid communication with the medicament container 2560. In this manner, the medicament delivery member 2512 and the medicament container 2560 can define a medicament delivery path 2505 through which a medicament 2568 can be conveyed from the medicament container 2560 to a location outside the housing 2110 via the medicament delivery member 2512 as shown by arrow AA. In some embodiments, the medicament delivery path 2505 can include portions of a lumen defined by the medicament delivery member 2512 and/or the connection between the medicament delivery member 2512 and the medicament container 2560.

The electronic circuit system 2900 is coupled to the housing 2110 and is fluidically and/or physically isolated from the medicament delivery path 2505. The electronic circuit system 2900 is configured to output an electronic output OP2 in response to a delivery of the medicament 2568 via the medicament delivery path 2505. In this manner, the electronic circuit system 2900 can output the electronic output OP2 in an unobtrusive manner and/or without impeding the delivery of the medicament 2568 through the medicament delivery path 2505. In some embodiments, for example, the electronic output OP2 can be a post-use instruction, such as, for example, a recorded message notifying the user that the injection is complete, instructing the user on post-injection disposal and safety procedures, instructing the user on post-injection medical treatment, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the electronic output OP2 can be associated with the patient's compliance in using the medicament delivery device 2000. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic output OP2 can be a signal sent to a compliance tracking monitor to record the data and/or time of use of the medicament delivery device 2000.

The electronic output OP2 can be, for example, a visual output such as, for example, a text message to display on a screen (not shown), and/or an LED. In some embodiments, the electronic output OP2 can be an audio output, such as, for example, recorded speech, a series of tones, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the electronic output OP2 can be a wireless signal configured to be received by a remote device.

The medicament delivery device 2000 can be any suitable medicament delivery device for delivering the medicament 2568 to a body of a patient. For example, the medicament delivery device 2000 can be a syringe, pen injector, auto-injector, inhaler or the like. In some embodiments, the medicament delivery device 2000 can be a chronic-care delivery device. Said another way, the medicament delivery device 2000 can be a reusable device containing multiple doses of medicament 2568. In other embodiments, the medicament delivery device 2000 can be a single-use device. Said another way, the medicament delivery device 2000 can contain a single dose of medicament 2568.

The electronic circuit system 2900 can include any suitable electronic components operatively coupled to produce and/or output the electronic output OP2 and/or to perform the functions described herein. The electronic circuit system 1900 can be similar to the electronic circuit system 1900 as described above with reference to FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-34 show a medical injector 4000 as another example of a delivery device that can be used in conjunction with and/or as a part of the delivery systems and methods described herein. FIGS. 3-4 are perspective views of the medical injector 4000 in a first configuration (i.e., prior to use). The medical injector 4000 includes a housing 4110, a delivery mechanism 4500 (see e.g., FIG. 12), an electronic circuit system 4900 (see e.g., FIGS. 13-23), a cover 4200 (see e.g., FIGS. 24-25), a safety lock 4700 (see e.g., FIGS. 26-29) and a base 4300 (see e.g., FIGS. 30-31). A discussion of the components of the medical injector 4000 will be followed by a discussion of the operation of the medical injector 4000.

As shown in FIGS. 5-11, the housing 4110 has a proximal end portion 4140 and a distal end portion 4120. The housing 4110 defines a first status indicator aperture 4150 and a second status indicator aperture 4151. The first status indicator aperture 4150 defined by the housing 4110 is located on a first side of the housing 4110, and the second status indicator aperture 4151 of the housing 4110 is located on a second side of the housing 4110. The status indicator apertures 4150, 4151 can allow a patient to monitor the status and/or contents of a medicament container 4560. For example, by visually inspecting the status indicator apertures 4150, 4151, a patient can determine whether the medicament container 4560 contains a medicament and/or whether a medicament has been dispensed.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the housing 4110 defines a gas cavity 4154, a medicament cavity 4157 and an electronic circuit system cavity 4153. The gas cavity 4154 has a proximal end portion 4155 and a distal end portion 4156. The gas cavity 4154 is configured to receive the gas container 4570 and the release member 4540 of the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 (see e.g., FIG. 12) as described in further detail herein. The proximal end portion 4155 of the gas cavity 4154 is configured to receive the gas container retention member 4580 of the proximal cap 4112 of the housing 4110, as described in further detail herein. The gas cavity 4154 is in fluid communication with the medicament cavity 4157 via a gas passageway 4144, as described in further detail herein, and the gas cavity 4154 is in fluid communication with a region outside the housing 4110 via a safety lock aperture 4128.

The medicament cavity 4157 is configured to receive a portion of the delivery mechanism 4500. In particular, the carrier 4520, the moveable member 4530 and the needle 4512 of the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 are movably disposed in the medicament cavity 4157. The medicament cavity 4157 is in fluid communication with a region outside the housing 4110 via a needle aperture 4122.

The electronic circuit system cavity 4153 is configured to receive the electronic circuit system 4900. The housing 4110 has protrusions 4149 (see e.g., FIG. 8) configured to stabilize the electronic circuit system 4900 when the electronic circuit system 4900 is disposed within the electronic circuit system cavity 4153. The housing 4110 also defines connection apertures 4152 configured to receive connection protrusions 4171 of the electronic circuit system 4900, and aperture 4145 (see e.g., FIG. 6) configured to receive a portion of a protrusion 4174 of the electronic circuit system 4900. In this manner, the electronic circuit system 4900 can be coupled to the housing 4110 within the electronic circuit system cavity 4153. In other embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can be coupled within the electronic circuit system cavity 4153 by other suitable means such as an adhesive, a clip and/or the like.

The electronic circuit system cavity 4153 is fluidically and/or physically isolated from the gas cavity 4154 and/or the medicament cavity 4157 by a sidewall 4148. The sidewall 4148 can be any suitable structure to isolate the electronic circuit system cavity 4153 within the housing 4110 from the gas cavity 4154 and/or the medicament cavity 4157 within the housing 4110. Similarly, the gas cavity 4154 and the medicament cavity 4157 are separated by a sidewall 4146. In some embodiments, sidewall 4146 can be similar to the sidewall 4148, which isolates the gas cavity 4154 and the medicament cavity 4157 from the electronic circuit system cavity 4153. In other embodiments the gas cavity 4154 can be fluidically and/or physically isolated from the medicament cavity 4157.

The proximal end portion 4140 of the housing 4110 includes a proximal cap 4112, a speaker protrusion 4147 (see e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9), and cover retention protrusions 4142 (see e.g., FIGS. 4 and 6). The speaker protrusion 4147 is configured to maintain a position of an audio output device 4956 of the electronic circuit system 4900 relative to the housing 4110 when the electronic circuit system 4900 is attached to the housing 4110, as described herein. Cover retention protrusions 4142 are configured to be received within corresponding openings 4215 on the cover 4200. In this manner, as described in more detail herein, the cover 4200 can be removably coupled to and disposed about at least a portion of the housing 4110.

As shown in FIG. 11, the proximal cap 4112 includes a gas container retention member 4580 and defines a gas passageway 4144. The gas container retention member 4580 is configured to receive and/or retain a gas container 4570 that can contain a pressurized gas. The gas passageway 4144 is configured to allow for the passage of gas contained in the gas container 4570 from the gas cavity 4154 to the medicament cavity 4157, as further described herein. Said another way, the gas passageway 4144 places the gas cavity 4154 in fluid communication with the medicament cavity 4157.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the distal end portion 4120 of the housing 4110 defines a battery isolation protrusion aperture 4121, a needle aperture 4122, a safety lock actuator groove 4123, a safety lock aperture 4128, a base actuator groove 4124, base retention recesses 4125A, 4125B, and base rail grooves 4127. The battery isolation protrusion aperture 4121 is configured to receive the battery isolation protrusion 4235 of the cover 4200 (see e.g., FIG. 25), as described in further detail herein.

The needle aperture 4122 is configured to allow the needle 4512 (see e.g., FIG. 12) to exit the housing 4110 when the medical injector 4000 is actuated. The portion of the sidewall of the housing 4110 that defines the needle aperture 4122 includes multiple sheath retention protrusions 4126. In some embodiments, the sheath retention protrusions can interact with the a plurality of ribs 4728 of the needle sheath 4720 (see e.g. FIG. 29) to maintain a position of the needle sheath 4720 relative to the safety lock 4700 when the safety lock 4700 is coupled to the housing 4110 and/or when the safety lock 4700 is being removed from the housing 4110.

The safety lock actuator groove 4123 is configured to receive an actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700. As described in more detail herein, the actuator 4744 is configured to engage and/or activate the electronic circuit system 4900 when the safety lock 4700 is moved with respect to the housing 4110. The safety lock aperture 4128 is configured to receive a safety lock protrusion 4742 (see e.g., FIGS. 25 and 26). As described in more detail below, the safety lock protrusion 4742 is received within an opening 4554 between extensions 4552 of a release member 4540 such that activation of the medical injector 4000 is prevented when the safety lock 4700 is in place. The safety lock 4700, its components and functions are further described herein.

The distal base retention recesses 4125A are configured to receive the base connection knobs 4358 of the base 4300 (see e.g., FIG. 30) when the base 4300 is in a first position relative to the housing 4110. The proximal base retention recesses 4125B are configured to receive the base connection knobs 4358 of the base 4300 when the base 4300 is in a second position relative to the housing 4110. The base retention recesses 4125A, 4125B have a tapered proximal sidewall and a non-tapered distal sidewall. This allows the base retention recesses 4125A, 4125B to receive the base connection knobs 4358 such that the base 4300 can move proximally relative to the housing 4110, but cannot move distally relative to the housing 4110. Said another way, the distal base retention recesses 4125A are configured to prevent the base 4300 from moving distally when the base 4300 is in a first position and the proximal base retention recesses 4125B are configured to prevent the base 4300 from moving distally when the base 4300 is in a second position. Similarly stated, the proximal base retention recesses 4125B and the base connection knobs 4358 cooperatively prevent “kickback” after the medical injector 4000 is actuated.

The base actuator groove 4124 is configured to receive an actuator 4311 of the base 4300. As described in more detail herein, the actuator 4311 of the base 4300 is configured to engage the electronic circuit system 4900 when the base 4100 is moved with respect to the housing 4110. The base rail grooves 4127 are configured to receive the guide members 4312 of the base 4300. The guide members 4312 of the base 4300 and the base rail grooves 4127 of the housing 4110 engage each other in a way that allows the guide members 4312 of the base 4300 to slide in a proximal and/or distal direction within the base rail grooves 4127 while limiting lateral movement of the guide members 4312. This arrangement allows the base 4300 to move in a proximal and/or distal direction with respect to the housing 4110 but prevents the base 4300 from moving in a lateral direction with respect to the housing 4110.

FIG. 12 shows the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 of the medical injector 4000. The medical injector 4000 is similar to the auto-injectors described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/562,061, entitled “Devices, Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery,” filed Nov. 21, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Accordingly, only an overview of the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 and related operation of the medical injector 4000 is included below.

The medicament delivery mechanism 4500 includes a needle 4512, a carrier 4520, a movable member 4530, a medicament container 4560, a gas container 4570, and a release member 4540. As described above, the needle 4512, carrier 4520, movable member 4530 and medicament container 4560 are disposed within the medicament cavity 4157 of the housing 4110. The gas container 4570 and the release member 4540 are disposed within the gas cavity 4154 of the housing 4110.

The release member 4540 has a proximal end portion 4542 and a distal end portion 4544, and is movably disposed within the distal end portion 4156 of the gas cavity 4154. The proximal end portion 4542 of the release member 4540 includes a sealing member 4545 and a puncturer 4541. The sealing member 4545 is configured to engage the sidewall of the housing 4110 defining the gas cavity 4154 such that the proximal end portion 4155 of the gas cavity 4154 is fluidically isolated from the distal end portion 4156 of the gas cavity 4154. In this manner, when gas is released from the gas container 4570, the gas contained in the proximal end portion 4155 of the gas cavity 4154 is unable to enter the distal end portion 4156 of the gas cavity 4154. The puncturer 4541 of the proximal end portion 4542 of the release member 4540 is configured to contact and puncture a frangible seal 4573 on the gas container 4570 when the release member 4540 moves proximally within the gas cavity 4154, as shown by the arrow BB in FIG. 12.

The distal end portion 4544 of the release member 4540 includes extensions 4552. The extensions 4552 include projections 4547 that include tapered surfaces 4549 and engagement surfaces 4548. Further, the extensions 4552 define an opening 4554 between the extensions 4552. The tapered surfaces 4549 of the projections 4547 are configured to contact protrusions 4313 on a proximal surface 4310 of the base 4300 (see e.g., FIG. 30). The engagement surfaces 4548 of the projections 4547 are configured to extend through the safety lock aperture 4128 of the housing 4110 and contact a distal surface of the housing 4110. In this manner, the engagement surfaces 4548 of the projections 4547 limit proximal movement of the release member 4540 when the engagement surfaces 4548 are in contact with the distal surface of the housing 4110.

The opening 4554 defined by the extensions 4552 is configured to receive the safety lock protrusion 4742 of the safety lock 4700 (see e.g., FIG. 27). The safety lock protrusion 4742 is configured to prevent the extensions 4552 from moving closer to each other. Said another way, the safety lock protrusion 4742 is configured to ensure that the extensions 4552 remain apart and the engagement surfaces 4548 of the projections 4547 remain in contact with the distal end portion 4120 of the housing 4110. In some embodiments, for example, the release member 4540 and/or the extensions 4552 can be constructed from any suitable material configured to withstand deformation that may occur when exposed to a load over an extended period of time. In some embodiments, for example, the release member 4540 and/or the extensions 4552 can be constructed from brass.

The gas container 4570 includes a distal end portion 4572 and a proximal end portion 4576, and is configured to contain a pressurized gas. The distal end portion 4572 of the gas container 4570 contains a frangible seal 4573 configured to break when the puncturer 4541 of the proximal end portion 4542 of the release member 4540 contacts the frangible seal 4573. The gas container retention member 4580 of the proximal cap 4112 of the housing 4110 is configured to receive and/or retain the proximal end portion 4576 of the gas container 4570. Said another way, the position of the gas container 4570 within the gas cavity 4154 is maintained by the gas container retention member 4580.

The medicament container 4560 of the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 has a distal end portion 4562 and a proximal end portion 4566, and is configured to contain a medicament. The distal end portion 4562 of the medicament container 4560 contains a seal 4523. The seal 4523 is configured to burst when punctured by the proximal end 4516 of the needle 4512, as described below. The proximal end portion 4566 of the medicament container 4560 is configured to receive a piston portion 4534 of the movable member 4530.

The movable member 4530 of the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 is movably disposed within the medicament cavity 4157. The movable member 4530 includes a piston portion 4534 having a plunger at the distal end portion of the piston portion 4534. The piston portion 4534 is configured to move within the medicament container 4560. In this manner, the piston portion 4534 of the movable member 4530 can apply pressure to a medicament contained in the medicament container 4560. The piston portion 4534 can be constructed of a resilient, durable, and/or sealing material, such as a rubber.

The carrier 4520 of the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 includes a distal end portion 4522 and a proximal end portion 4526. The medicament container 4560 is coupled to the carrier 4520 via a “snap-fit” connection (not shown) such that the medicament container 4560 can move relative to the carrier 4520 between a first configuration and a second configuration during an injection event. In the first configuration, the carrier 4520 is configured to move within the medicament cavity 4157 such that movement of the carrier 4520 within the medicament cavity 4157 causes contemporaneous movement of the medicament container 4560 within the medicament cavity 4157. The proximal end portion 4516 of the needle 4512 is spaced apart from the seal 4523 of the medicament container 4560 when the carrier 4520 is in the first configuration. In the second configuration, the medicament container 4560 releases from the “snap-fit” causing the medicament container 4560 to move distally with respect to the carrier 4520, causing the proximal end portion 4516 of the needle 4512 to pierce the seal 4523. In this manner, the needle 4512 can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the medicament container 4560 to define a medicament delivery path (not shown).

FIGS. 13-22 show the electronic circuit system 4900. The electronic circuit system 4900 of the medical injector 4000 includes an electronic circuit system housing 4170, a printed circuit board 4922, a battery assembly 4962, an audio output device 4956, two light emitting diodes (LEDs) 4958A, 4958B and a battery clip 4910. As shown in FIG. 20, the electronic circuit system 4900 is configured to fit within the electronic circuit system cavity 4153 of the housing 4110. Accordingly, as described above, the electronic circuit system 4900 is physically and/or fluidically isolated from the medicament cavity 4157, the gas cavity 4154 and/or the medicament delivery device 4500. As described herein, the electronic circuit system 4900 is configured to output an electronic output associated with the use of the medical injector 4000.

The electronic circuit system housing 4170 of the electronic circuit system 4900 includes a distal end portion 4180 and a proximal end portion 4190. The proximal end portion 4190 includes connection protrusions 4171A and a battery clip protrusion 4173. The connection protrusions 4171A extend from the proximal end portion 4190 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170, and are configured to be disposed within the connection apertures 4152 of the housing 4110, as described above. In this manner, the electronic circuit system 4900 can be coupled to the housing 4110 within the electronic circuit system cavity 4153. In other embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can be coupled to the housing 4110 by other suitable means such as an adhesive, a clip and/or the like. As described in more detail herein, the battery clip protrusion 4173 is configured to hold the battery clip 4910 in place.

The proximal end portion 4190 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170 defines multiple sound apertures 4191. The audible output device 4956 is disposed against the proximal end portion 4190 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170 such that the front face of the audible output device 4956 is disposed adjacent the sound apertures 4191. In this manner, the sound apertures 4191 are configured to allow sound from an audio output device 4956 to pass from the audio output device 4956 to a region outside of the housing 4110.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the distal end portion 4180 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170 includes a connection protrusion 4171B, a stiffening protrusion 4174, and defines an LED aperture 4181, an aperture 4172, a safety lock actuator groove 4182, and a base actuator groove 4183. The LED aperture 4181 is configured to receive the LEDs 4958A, 4958B such that a user can view the LEDs 4958A, 4958B, which are described in more detail herein.

The connection protrusion 4171B extends from the distal end portion 4180 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170, and is configured to attach the electronic circuit system 4900 to the housing 4110, as described above. The stiffening protrusion 4174 is configured to have at least a portion received within and/or accessible via the aperture 4145 in the housing 4110 (see e.g., FIG. 6). The stiffening protrusion 4174 is configured to limit the bending (e.g., buckling) of the electronic circuit system housing 4170 when the electronic circuit system housing 4170 is coupled to the housing 4110. Moreover, a user can access the stiffening protrusion 4174 via the aperture 4172. In this manner, for example, the user can disengage the stiffening protrusion 4174 from the aperture 4145.

The safety lock actuator groove 4182 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170 is configured to be disposed adjacent the safety lock actuator groove 4123 of the distal end portion 4120 of the housing 4110. In this manner, the safety lock actuator groove 4182 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170 and the safety lock actuator groove 4123 of the distal end portion 4120 of the housing 4110 collectively receive the actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700, which is described in more detail herein. Similarly, the base actuator groove 4183 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170 is configured to be disposed about the base actuator groove 4124 of the distal end portion 4120 of the housing 4110. The base actuator groove 4183 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170 and the base actuator groove 4124 of the distal end portion 4120 of the housing 4110 collectively receive the actuator 4311 of the base 4300, which is described in more detail herein.

The printed circuit board 4922 of the electronic circuit system 4900 includes a substrate 4924, a first actuation portion 4926 and a second actuation portion 4946. The substrate 4924 of the printed circuit board 4922 includes the electrical components necessary for the electronic circuit system 4900 to operate as desired. For example, the electrical components can be resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches, microcontrollers, microprocessors and/or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the first actuation portion 4926 includes a first electrical conductor 4934 and defines an opening 4928 having a boundary 4929. The opening 4928 of the first actuation portion 4926 is configured to receive a protrusion 4746 of the actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700. The boundary 4929 of the first opening 4928 has a discontinuous shape, such as, for example, a teardrop shape, that includes a stress concentration riser 4927. The discontinuity and/or the stress concentration riser 4927 of the boundary 4929 can be of any suitable shape to cause the substrate 4924 to deform in a predetermined direction when the protrusion 4746 of the actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700 is moved relative to the opening 4928, as shown by the arrow CC in FIG. 22.

The opening 4928 is defined adjacent the first electrical conductor 4934 that electronically couples the components included in the electronic circuit system 4900. The first electrical conductor 4934 includes a first switch 4972, which can be, for example a frangible portion of the first electrical conductor 4934. In use, when the safety lock 4700 is moved from a first position (see e.g., FIG. 21) to a second position (see e.g., FIG. 22), the actuator 4744 moves in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the first actuation portion 4926 of the substrate 4924. The movement of the actuator 4744 causes the protrusion 4746 to move within the first opening 4928, as indicated by the arrow CC in FIG. 22. The movement of the protrusion 4746 tears the first actuation portion 4926 of the substrate 4924, thereby separating the portion of the first electrical conductor 4934 including the first switch 4972. Said another way, when the safety lock 4700 is moved from its first position to its second position (see e.g., FIG. 33), the actuator 4744 moves irreversibly the first switch 4972 from a first state (e.g., a state of electrical continuity) to a second state (e.g., a state of electrical discontinuity). Said yet another way, when the safety lock 4700 is moved from its first position to its second position, the actuator 4744 disrupts the first electrical conductor 4934.

The second actuation portion 4946 includes a second electrical conductor 4935 and defines an opening 4945, having a boundary 4949 and a tear propagation limit aperture 4948. As shown in FIGS. 20-23, the opening 4945 of the second actuation portion 4946 is configured to receive a portion of an actuator 4311 of the base 4300. The boundary 4949 of the opening 4945 has a discontinuous shape that includes a stress concentration riser 4947. The discontinuity and/or the stress concentration riser 4947 of the boundary 4949 can be of any suitable shape to cause the substrate 4924 to deform in a predetermined direction when the actuator 4311 of the base 4300 is moved in a proximal direction relative to the opening 4945, as shown by the arrow DD in FIG. 23.

The second electrical conductor 4935 includes a second switch 4973 disposed between the opening 4945 and the tear propagation limit aperture 4948, which can be, for example, a frangible portion of the second electrical conductor 4935. In use, when the base 4300 is moved from its first position to its second position (see e.g., FIG. 34), the actuator 4311 moves in a proximal direction, substantially parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the second actuation portion 4946 of the substrate 4924. The proximal movement of the actuator 4311 tears the second actuation portion 4946 of the substrate 4924, thereby separating the portion of the second electrical conductor 4935 including the second switch 4973. Said another way, when the base 4300 is moved from its first position to its second position, the actuator 4311 moves irreversibly the second switch 4973 from a first state (e.g., a state of electrical continuity) to a second state (e.g., a state of electrical discontinuity). The tear propagation limit aperture 4948 is configured to limit the propagation of the tear in the substrate 4924 in the proximal direction. Said another way, the tear propagation limit aperture 4948 is configured to ensure that the tear in the substrate 4924 does not extend beyond the tear propagation limit aperture 4948. The tear propagation limit aperture 4948 can be any shape configured to stop the propagation of a tear and/or disruption of the substrate 4924. For example, the tear propagation limit aperture 4948 can be oval shaped. In other embodiments, the proximal boundary of the tear propagation limit aperture 4948 can be reinforced to ensure that the tear in the substrate 4924 does not extend beyond the tear propagation limit aperture 4948.

The battery assembly 4962 of the electronic circuit system 4900 comprises two batteries stacked on top of one another. The battery assembly 4962 has a first surface 4964 and a second surface 4966. The first surface 4964 of the battery assembly 4962 can contact an electrical contact (not shown) disposed on the substrate 4924. The second surface 4966 of the battery assembly 4962 is configured to contact a contact portion 4918 of a distal end portion 4916 of a battery clip 4910. When both the electrical contact of the substrate 4924 and the contact portion 4918 of the distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910 contact the battery assembly 4962, the batteries of the battery assembly 4962 are placed in electrical communication with the electronic circuit system 4900. Said another way, when the electrical contact of the substrate 4924 and the contact portion 4918 of the distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910 contact the battery assembly 4962, the battery assembly 4962 is configured to supply power to the electronic circuit system 4900.

The battery clip 4910 (shown in FIG. 18) includes a proximal end portion 4912 and a distal end portion 4916. The proximal end portion 4912 defines a retention aperture 4913. The retention aperture 4913 is configured to receive the battery clip protrusion 4173 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170. In this manner, the battery clip protrusion 4173 maintains the position of the battery clip 4910 with respect to the electronic circuit system housing 4170 and/or the battery assembly 4962.

The distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910 includes a contact portion 4918 and an angled portion 4917. As described above, the contact portion 4918 is configured to contact the second surface 4916 of the battery assembly 4962 to place the battery assembly 4962 in electrical communication with the electronic circuit system 4900. The angled portion 4917 of the distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910 is configured to allow a proximal end portion 4236 of a battery isolation protrusion 4235 (see e.g., FIG. 25) to be disposed between the second surface 4966 of the battery assembly 4962 and the contact portion 4918 of the distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910. When the battery isolation protrusion 4235 is disposed between the second surface 4966 of the battery assembly 4962 and the contact portion 4918 of the distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910, the electrical path between the battery assembly 4962 and the remainder of the electrical circuit system 4900 is severed, thereby removing power from the electronic circuit system 4900. The contact portion 4918 of the distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910 is biased such that when the battery isolation protrusion 4235 is removed, the contact portion 4918 will move into contact the second surface 4916 of the battery assembly 4962, thereby restoring electrical communication between the battery assembly 4962 and the electronic circuit system 4900. In some embodiments, the battery isolation protrusion 4235 can be repeatedly removed from between the second surface 4966 of the battery assembly 4962 and the contact portion 4918 of the distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910 and reinserted. Said another way, the battery isolation protrusion 4235 and the battery clip 4910 collectively form a reversible on/off switch.

The audio output device 4956 of the electronic circuit system 4900 is configured to output audible sound to a user in response to a use of the medical injector 4000. In some embodiments, the audible output device 4956 can be a speaker. In some embodiments, the audible sound can be, for example, associated with a recorded message and/or a recorded speech. In other embodiments, the audible instructions can be an audible beep, a series of tones and/or or the like.

In other embodiments, the medical injector 4000 can have a network interface device (not shown) configured to operatively connect the electronic circuit system 4900 to a remote device (not shown) and/or a communications network (not shown). In this manner, the electronic circuit system 4900 can send information to and/or receive information from the remote device. The remote device can be, for example, a remote communications network, a computer, a compliance monitoring device, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like. Such an arrangement can be used, for example, to download replacement processor-readable code from a central network to the electronic circuit system 4900. In some embodiments, for example, the electronic circuit system 4900 can download information associated with a medical injector 4000, such as an expiration date, a recall notice, updated use instructions or the like. Similarly, in some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can upload compliance information associated with the use of the medical injector 4000 via the network interface device.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show the cover 4200 of the medical injector 4000. The cover 4200 includes a proximal end portion 4210 and a distal end portion 4230, and defines a cavity 4242. The cavity 4242 of the cover 4200 is configured to receive at least a portion of the housing 4110. The proximal end portion 4210 defines apertures 4215 configured to receive the cover retention protrusions 4142 of the housing 4110 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6). In this manner, the apertures 4215 and the cover retention protrusions 4142 of the housing 4110 removably retain the cover 4200 about at least a portion of the housing 4110. Said another way, the apertures 4215 and the cover retention protrusions 4142 of the housing 4110 are configured such that the cover 4200 can be removed from a portion of the housing 4110 and then replaced about the portion of the housing 4110.

The distal end portion 4230 of the cover 4200 includes a battery isolation protrusion 4235. The battery isolation protrusion 4235 includes a proximal end portion 4236 and a tapered portion 4237. The proximal end portion 4236 of the battery isolation protrusion 4235 is configured to be removably disposed between the second surface 4966 of the battery assembly 4962 and the contact portion 4918 of the distal end portion 4916 of the battery clip 4910, as described above.

FIGS. 26-29 show the safety lock 4700 of the medical injector 4000. The safety lock 4700 of the medical injector 4000 includes a proximal surface 4740, a distal surface 4760 opposite the proximal surface 4740 and a needle sheath 4720. The safety lock 4700 defines a needle sheath aperture 4770 and a battery isolation protrusion aperture 4775. The battery isolation protrusion aperture 4775 is configured to receive the battery isolation protrusion 4235 of the cover 4200 such that the battery isolation protrusion 4235 can be disposed within the electronic circuit system cavity 4153 or the electronic circuit system 4900, as described above. Similarly stated, the battery isolation protrusion aperture 4775 of the safety lock 4700 is aligned with the battery isolation protrusion aperture 4121 of the housing 4110, such that the battery isolation protrusion 4235 can be disposed within the electronic circuit system cavity 4153 when the cover 4200 is disposed about a portion of the housing 4110.

The proximal surface 4740 of the safety lock 4700 includes a safety lock protrusion 4742, a stopper 4743, an actuator 4744 and two opposing pull tabs 4741. As described above, when the safety lock 4700 is in a first (locked) position, the safety lock protrusion 4742 is configured to be disposed in the opening 4554 defined by the extensions 4552 of the distal end portion 4544 of the release member 4540. Accordingly, the safety lock protrusion 4742 is configured to prevent the extensions 4552 from moving closer to each other, thereby preventing proximal movement of the release member 4540 of the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 and/or delivery of a medicament. The stopper 4743 of the safety lock 4700 is a protrusion extending from the proximal surface 4740 of the safety lock 4700. The stopper 4743 is configured to contact a portion of the housing 4110 to limit the proximal movement of the safety lock 4700 relative to the housing 4110. In other embodiments, the stopper 4743 can be any structure configured to limit the proximal movement of the safety lock 4700.

The actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700 has an elongated portion 4745 and a protrusion 4746. The elongated portion 4745 extends in a proximal direction from the proximal surface 4740. In this manner, the elongated portion 4745 can extend through a safety lock actuator opening 4356 of the base 4300 (see e.g., FIG. 30) and within the safety lock actuator groove 4123 of the housing 4110 and the safety lock actuator groove 4182 of the electronic circuit system housing 4170. The protrusion 4746 extends in a direction substantially transverse to the elongated portion 4745 and/or substantially parallel to the proximal surface 4740 of the safety lock 4700. As described above, the opening 4928 of the first actuation portion 4926 is configured to receive the protrusion 4746 of the actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700.

The pull tabs 4741 of the safety lock 4700 include a grip portion 4747 and indicia 4748. The grip portion 4747 of the pull tabs 4741 provides an area for the user to grip and/or remove the safety lock 4700 from the rest of the medicament delivery system 4700. The indicia 4748 provides instruction on how to remove the safety lock 4700. In some embodiments, for example, the indicia 4748 can indicate the direction the user should pull the safety lock 4700 to remove the safety lock 4700.

As shown in FIG. 28, the needle sheath 4720 of the safety lock 4700 includes a distal end portion 4724, a proximal end portion 4722 and a plurality of ribs 4728. The needle sheath 4720 can also define a lumen 4729. The lumen 4729 of the safety lock 4700 is configured to receive the needle 4512. In this manner, the needle sheath 4720 can protect the user from the needle 4512 and/or can keep the needle 4512 sterile before the user uses the medical injector 4000. The proximal end portion 4722 of the needle sheath is configured to contact the distal end portion 4522 of the carrier 4520 of the medicament delivery mechanism 4500.

The distal end portion 4724 of the needle sheath 4720 has an angled ridge 4725. The angled ridge 4725 is configured to allow the proximal end portion 4722 of the needle sheath 4720 to irreversibly move through the needle sheath aperture 4770 of the safety lock 4700 in a distal direction. Said another way, the angled ridge 4725 can be configured in such a way as to allow the proximal end portion 4722 of the needle sheath 4720 to move through the needle sheath aperture 4770 in a distal direction, but not in a proximal direction. The needle sheath aperture 4770 has retaining tabs 4771 configured to engage the proximal end of the angled ridge 4725 when the needle sheath 4720 is moved in a proximal direction. In this manner, the retaining tabs 4771 prevent the proximal movement of the needle sheath with respect to the safety lock 4700. Further, the retaining tabs 4771 are configured to engage the proximal end of the angled ridge 4725 when the safety lock 4700 is moved in a distal direction. Said another way, as shown in FIG. 33, the needle sheath 4720 is removed from the needle 4512 when the safety lock 4700 is moved in a distal direction with respect to the housing 4110.

FIGS. 30-31 show the base 4300 of the medical injector 4000. The base 4300 includes a proximal surface 4310, a distal surface 4330 and base connection knobs 4358. The base 4300 defines a needle aperture 4350, a safety lock protrusion aperture 4352, a battery isolation protrusion aperture 4354, a safety lock actuator opening 4356, and pull tab openings 4360. The needle aperture 4350 is configured to receive the needle 4512 when the medical injector 4000 is actuated. The safety lock protrusion aperture 4352 of the base 4300 receives the safety lock protrusion 4742 of the safety lock 4700. The battery isolation protrusion aperture 4354 of the base 4300 receives the battery isolation protrusion 4235 of the cover 4200 and the stopper 4743 of the safety lock 4700. The safety lock actuator opening 4356 receives the safety lock actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700. The pull tab openings 4360 are configured to receive the pull tabs 4741 of the safety lock 4700.

The proximal surface 4310 of the base 4300 includes an actuator 4311, guide members 4312, and protrusions 4313. The actuator 4311 is an elongate member configured to engage the substrate 4924 of the electronic circuit system 4900. As described above, the opening 4945 of the second actuation portion 4946 is configured to receive the actuator 4311 of the base 4300. The guide members 4312 of the base 4300 are configured to engage and/or slide within the base rail grooves 4127 of the housing 4110, as described above. The protrusions 4313 of the base 4300 are configured to engage the tapered surfaces 4549 of the extensions 4552 of the release member 4540. As described in further detail herein, when the safety lock 4700 is removed and the base 4300 is moved in a proximal direction with respect to the housing 4110, the protrusion 4313 of the base 4300 are configured to move the extensions 4552 of the release member 4540 closer to each other, actuating the medicament delivery mechanism 4500. As described above, the base connection knobs 4358 are configured to engage the base retention recesses 4125A, 4125B in a way that allows proximal movement of the base 4300 but limits distal movement of the base 4300.

As shown in FIG. 32, the medical injector 4000 is first enabled by moving the medicament delivery device from a first configuration to a second configuration by moving the cover 4200 from a first position to a second position. The cover 4200 is moved from the first position to the second position by moving it with respect to the housing 4110 in the direction shown by the arrow EE in FIG. 32. When the cover 4200 is moved with respect to the housing 4110 in the direction EE, the battery isolation protrusion 4235 is removed from the area between the battery clip 4910 and the second surface 4966 of the battery assembly 4962. In this manner, the battery assembly 4962 can be operatively coupled to the electronic circuit system 4900 when the cover 4200 is removed, thereby providing power to the electronic circuit system 4900.

When power is provided, as described above, the electronic circuit system 4900 can output one or more predetermined electronic outputs. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can output an electronic signal associated with recorded speech to the audible output device 4956. Such an electronic signal can be, for example, associated with a .WAV file that contains a recorded instruction instructing the user in the operation of the medical injector 4000. Such an instruction can state, for example, “remove the safety tab near the base of the auto-injector.” The electronic circuit system 4900 can simultaneously output an electronic signal to one and/or both of the LEDs 4958A, 4958B thereby causing one and/or both of the LEDs 4958A, 4958B to flash a particular color. In this manner, the electronic circuit system 4900 can provide both audible and visual instructions to assist the user in the initial operation of the medical injector 4000.

In other embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can output an electronic output associated with a description and/or status of the medical injector 4000 and/or the medicament contained therein. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can output an audible message indicating the type of medicament contained in the medical injector 4000, the expiration date of the medicament, the dosage of the medicament or the like.

As described above, the medical injector 4000 can be can be repeatedly moved between the first configuration and the second configuration when the cover 4200 is moved repeatedly between the first position and the second position respectively. Said another way, the cover 4200 can be removed and replaced about the housing 4110 any number of times. When the cover 4200 is moved from the second position to the first position, the battery isolation protrusion 4235 is inserted between the battery clip 4910 and the second surface 4966 of the battery assembly 4962, deactivating the electronic circuit system 4900. When the cover is moved from the first position to the second position a second time, the electronic circuit system 4900 is once again activated. In this manner, the cover 4200 can be removed and the electronic circuit system 4900 can output an electronic output without compromising the sterility of the needle 4512.

After the cover 4200 is removed from the housing 4110, the medical injector 4000 can be moved from the second configuration to a third configuration by moving the safety lock 4700 from a first position to a second position. The safety lock 4700 is moved from a first position to a second position by moving the safety lock 4700 with respect to the housing 4110 in the direction shown by the arrow FF in FIG. 33. When the safety lock 4700 is moved from the first position to the second position, the safety lock protrusion 4742 is removed from between the extensions 4552 of the release member 4540, thereby enabling the medicament delivery member 4500. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, when the safety lock 4700 is moved from the housing 4110, the actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700 moves in the direction CC as shown in FIG. 22, irreversibly moving the first switch 4972 from a first state (e.g., a state of electrical continuity) to a second state (e.g., a state of electrical discontinuity). When the actuator 4744 of the safety lock 4700 moves irreversibly the first switch 4972 of the electronic circuit system 4900 to the second state, the electronic circuit system 4900 can output one or more predetermined electronic outputs. For example, in some embodiments, a processor (not shown) can output an electronic signal associated with recorded speech to the audible output device 4956. Such an electronic signal can be, for example, associated with a recorded message notifying the user of the status of the medical injector 4000. Such a status message can state, for example, “The medical injector is now enabled.” The electronic circuit system 4900 can also simultaneously output an electronic signal to one and/or both of the LEDs 4958A, 4958B, thereby causing one and/or both of the LEDs 4958A, 4958B to stop flashing, change color or the like.

In some embodiments, the first actuation portion 4926 and the actuator 4744 can be configured such that the actuator 4744 must move a predetermined distance before the actuator 4744 engages the boundary 4929 of the opening 4928. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator 4744 must move approximately 0.200 inches before the actuator 4744 engages the boundary 4929 of the opening 4928. In this manner, the safety lock 4700 can be moved slightly without irreversibly moving the first switch 4972 of the electronic circuit system 4900 to the second state. Accordingly, this arrangement will permit the user to inadvertently and/or accidentally move the safety lock 4700 without actuating the electronic circuit system 4900.

In some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can be configured to output the status message for a predetermined time period, such as, for example, five seconds. After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the electronic circuit system 4900 can output an audible message further instructing the user in the operation of the medical injector 4000. Such an instruction can state, for example, “Place the base of the auto-injector against the patient's thigh. To complete the injection, press the base firmly against the patient's thigh.” In some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can simultaneously output an electronic signal to one and/or both of the LEDs 4958A, 4958B, thereby causing one and/or both of the LEDs 4958A, 4958B to flash a particular color. In this manner, the electronic circuit system 4900 can provide both audible and/or visual instructions to assist the user in the placement and actuation of the medical injector 4000. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can be configured to repeat the instructions after a predetermined time period has elapsed.

As described above, in other embodiments, the medical injector 4000 can have a network interface device (not shown) configured to operatively connect the electronic circuit system 4900 to a remote device (not shown) and/or a communications network (not shown). In this manner, the electronic circuit system 4900 can send a wireless signal notifying a remote device that the safety lock 4700 of the medical injector 4000 has been removed and that the medical injector 4000 has been armed.

After the safety lock 4700 is moved from the first position to the second position, the medical injector 4000 can be moved from the third configuration to a fourth configuration by moving the base 4300 from a first position to a second position. The base 4300 is moved from its first position to its second position by placing the medical injector 4000 against the body of the patient and moving the base 4300 with respect to the housing 4110 in the direction shown by the arrow GG in FIG. 34. Moving the base 4300 from the first position to the second position causes the protrusions 4313 on the proximal surface 4310 of the base 4300 to engage the tapered surfaces 4549 of the extensions 4552 of the release member 4540, causing the release member 4540 to actuate the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 and deliver a medicament to a body of a patient.

When the base 4300 is moved from the first position to the second position, the medicament delivery mechanism 4500 is actuated such that the puncturer 4541 of the release member 4540 is brought in contact with and/or punctures the frangible seal 4573 of the gas container 4570. In some embodiments, the movement of the release member 4540 can be caused by a spring (not shown in FIG. 12). After the frangible seal 4573 has been punctured, an actuating portion of a compressed gas can escape from the gas container 4570 and flow via the gas passageway 4144 into the medicament cavity 4157. The gas applies gas pressure to the movable member 4530 causing the movable member 4530 and the carrier 4520 to move in a distal direction within the medicament cavity 4157. When the carrier 4520 moves distally within the medicament cavity 4157, the carrier 4520 and the medicament container 4560 are in a first configuration. Accordingly, as described above, the medicament container 4560 is connected to the carrier 4520 by a “snap fit” connection. In this manner, the medicament container 4560 and the needle 4512 contemporaneously move with movable member 4530 and/or the carrier 4520 in a distal direction. As described above, the proximal end portion 4516 of the needle 4512 is connected to the distal end portion 4522 of the carrier 4520 and is spaced from the seal 4523 of the medicament container 4560 when the carrier 4520 is in its first configuration. Said another way, the medicament container 4560 and the needle 4512 do not define a medicament delivery path when the carrier 4520 is in the first configuration. The movement of the needle 4512 in a distal direction causes the proximal end portion 4516 of the needle 4512 to exit the housing 4110 and enter the body of a patient prior to administering a medicament.

After the carrier 4520 and/or the needle 4512 have moved within the medicament cavity 4157 a predetermined distance, the carrier 4520 and the medicament container 4560 are moved from the first configuration to a second configuration. In the second configuration of the carrier 4520, the medicament container 4560 is released from the “snap-fit” allowing the medicament container 4560 and the movable member 4530 to continue to move in a distal direction relative to the carrier 4520. Said another way, the medicament container 4560 is configured to slidably move within the carrier 4520 when the carrier is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration. As the medicament container 4560 continues to move within the carrier 4520, the proximal end portion 4516 of the needle 4512 contacts and punctures the seal 4523 of the medicament container 4560. This allows the medicament contained in the medicament container 4560 to flow into the lumen (not shown) defined by the needle 4512, thereby defining a medicament delivery path.

As the medicament container 4560 contacts the distal end of the carrier 4520, the medicament container 4560 stops moving within the carrier 4520 while the movable member 4530 continues to move in a distal direction. This causes the piston portion 4534 of the movable member 4530 to sealingly slide and/or move within the medicament container 4560 containing a liquid medicament. As the piston portion 4534 of the movable member 4530 sealingly slides and/or moves within the medicament container 4560, the piston portion 4534 generates a pressure upon the medicament contained within the medicament container 4560, thereby allowing at least a portion of the medicament to flow out of the medicament container 4560 and into the lumen defined by the needle 4512. The medicament is delivered to a body of a user via the medicament delivery path defined by the medicament container 4560 and the needle 4512.

As described above, the actuator 4538 of the base 4300 actuates the electronic circuit 4900 to trigger a predetermined output or sequence of outputs when the base 4520 is moved from its first position to its second position (see, e.g., FIGS. 19-23). When the actuator 4538 is moved in a proximal direction relative to the opening 4945, as shown by the arrow DD in FIG. 23, the electronic circuit system 4900 is actuated to output one or more predetermined electronic outputs. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can output an electronic signal associated with recorded speech to the audible output device 4956. Such an electronic signal can be, for example, associated with an audible countdown timer, instructing the user on the duration of the injection procedure. Said another way, if it takes, for example, ten seconds to complete an injection, an audible countdown timer can count from ten to zero ensuring that the user maintains the medical injector 4000 in place for the full ten seconds. In other embodiments, the electronic signal can be, for example, associated with a recorded message notifying the user that the injection is complete, instructing the user on post-injection disposal and safety procedures, instructing the user on post-injection medical treatment or the like. Such a status message can state, for example, “The injection is now complete. Please seek further medical attention from a doctor.” The electronic circuit system 4900 can also simultaneously output an electronic signal to one and/or both LEDs 4958A, 4958B, thereby causing one and/or both LEDs 4958A, 4958B to stop flashing, change color or the like, to provide a visual indication that the injection is complete. In other embodiments, the electronic circuit system 4900 can send a wireless signal notifying a remote device that the injection is complete. In this manner, a patient's compliance can be monitored.

In some embodiments, the second actuation portion 4946 and the actuator 4538 can be configured such that the base 4500 and/or the actuator 4538 must move a predetermined distance before the actuator 4538 engages the boundary 4949 of the opening 4945. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator 4538 must move approximately 0.200 inches before the actuator 4538 engages the boundary 4949 of the opening 4945. In this manner, the base 4700 can be moved slightly without irreversibly moving the second switch 4973 of the electronic circuit system 4900 to the second state. Accordingly, this arrangement will permit the user to inadvertently and/or accidentally move the base 4500 without actuating the electronic circuit system 4900.

FIG. 35 depicts a medicament delivery device 100 (e.g., any suitable device, such as the medicament injectors described above with reference to FIGS. 1-35), an adapter 120 and a locator 150. The medicament delivery device 100 can be paired with and/or cooperatively function with the adapter 120 and/or the locator 150 to “page,” locate and/or otherwise assist a patient and/or third party in determining the identity and/or location of the medicament delivery device 100. The locator 150 can be any suitable device that is operable to send a signal to the adapter 120 causing the adapter 120 to emit a sound or other signal. In this manner, the monitoring 150 device and the adapter 120 can cooperatively function to alert the user to the location of the medicament delivery device 100.

The adapter 120 can be coupled to the medicament delivery device 100. The adapter 120 can, for example, be a sleeve, case, insert, attachment, and/or docking station coupled to the medicament delivery device 100, a housing of the medicament delivery device 100 (such as the housing 4100 described above) and/or electronic circuitry of the medicament delivery device 100. In some embodiments, the adapter 120 can be removably coupled to and substantially surround a portion of the medicament delivery device 100, similar to the cover 4200 shown and described above. In other embodiments, an adapter 120 can be attached to an outer surface of a medicament delivery device 100 without surrounding or covering a significant portion of the medicament delivery device. In yet other embodiments, an adapter 120 can be inserted completely or partially into an inside chamber of a medicament delivery device. In yet other embodiments, an adapter 120 can be fixedly coupled to an outer surface of a medicament delivery device. Although shown as being a separate component, in some embodiments, an adapter 120 can be integral with the medicament delivery device 100. Said another, in some embodiments, the function of the adapter 120 described below can be included within a housing and/or electronic circuit system of the medicament delivery device 100.

The adapter 120 can include a radio 122 (also referred to as a receiver, transmitter and/or transceiver) and/or an audible output device 124. The radio 122 of the adapter 120 can be operable to send signals to, and/or receive signals from the locator 150. The audible output device 124 of the locator device can be operable to emit an audible output, such as a tone and/or recorded speech instructions. As discussed in further detail herein, in some embodiments, the adapter 120 can include a sensor (or switch) 126 operable to detect an event associated with the medicament delivery device 100. Such events can include, for example, when the medicament delivery device 100 is used and/or is prepared for use. In this manner, the sensor 126 can detect the status and/or usage history of the medicament delivery device 100. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter 120 can be a sleeve or cover (similar to the cover 4200 shown and described above) that is removed from the medicament delivery device 100 prior to use. In such embodiments, the sensor and/or switch 126 can be operable to detect the removal the adapter 120 from the medicament delivery device 100 and can cause the adapter 120 to send a signal (e.g., to the locator 150) via the radio 122 and/or to emit an audible output via the audible output device 124.

Although described as producing an audible output, in other embodiments, any of the devices and/or systems described herein can produce a human perceivable signal, such as audible, visual, and/or haptic alerts. In other embodiments, the signal can be a radio signal, IR signal and/or signals otherwise not human perceivable. An embodiment can include both human perceivable and signals that are not human perceivable.

In some embodiments, the adapter 120 can include an electronic circuit system, similar to the electronic circuit system 4900 shown and described above, to contain, include and/or provide interconnection between the components discussed herein (e.g., the radio 122, the audible output device 124 and the sensor 126). For example, in some embodiments, the adapter 120 can include an electronic circuit system having one or more switches of the type disclosed above with reference to the electronic circuit system 4900.

The locator 150 can include a radio 152, an audible output device 154, and/or one or more sensors 156, and can be operable to monitor the user via the sensor 156, communicate with the adapter 120, and/or provide an audible output. The locator need not include all of the components nor perform all of the functions described herein. For example, in some embodiments, a locator according to an embodiment can be devoid of a sensor 156. The locator 150 can be operable to be easily located, identified and/or readily accessible by the user and/or third parties. For example, the locator 150 can be a bracelet, a necklace, a keychain fob, a watch, a ring, an adhesive patch, a cellular phone or other personal electronic device, and/or any other suitable object. The locator 150 can be a piece of jewelry and/or integrated into a piece of jewelry. In some embodiments, however, the locator 150 can be inconspicuous, so as to not draw attention to the user. For example, in some embodiments, the locator 150 can be similar to and/or incorporated within an article that is inconspicuous. For example, in some embodiments, the locator 150 can be located on an inner layer of clothing, incorporated or manufactured as a part of the clothing, incorporated into a common accessory, fabricated to resemble a standard key fob, or the like. In other embodiments, the locator 150 can be conspicuous such that, in the event of a medical emergency, bystanders can readily identify and/or locate the locator 150, which can, in turn, allow the bystander to identify and/or locate the medicament delivery device 100. In yet other embodiments the locator 150 can be configured to transition between an inconspicuous configuration and a conspicuous configuration. Similarly, stated, in some embodiments the locator 150 can be inconspicuous in a standby state, e.g., when there is no medical emergency, and conspicuous in an active state, e.g., when there is a medical emergency, and/or when activated by the user. For example, the locator 150 can emit an alert, such as an alarm or recorded instruction via the speaker 154 and/or can have flashing lights, vibration (haptic output) and/or any other suitable mechanism to draw attention when the locator 150 is in the active (or conspicuous) state. Similarly stated, the locator 150 can include any suitable mechanism for changing between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to an event (e.g., a medical emergency, a notification received from a doctor, pharmacy or the like).

In some embodiments, as discussed in further detail here, a communication device, such as a cellular phone can be the locator 150 and/or be adapted to perform the functions of the locator 150 as described herein. For example, a cellular telephone can execute an application operable to monitor the user via the sensor 156, communicate with the adapter 120, and/or provide an audible output via the audible output device 124.

The locator 150 can communicate with the adapter 120 via the radio 152. The communication between the locator 150 and the adapter 120 can be initiated by any suitable method, including manual initiation and/or automatic initiation. In some embodiments, the communication between the locator 150 and the adapter 120 can be initiated by pushing a button. In other embodiments, the locator 150 can be activated by a signal from the sensor 156 and/or the sensor 126. In this manner, for example, the communication can be initiated when the sensor 156 detects a significant change in the user's vital signs. In some embodiments, the locator 150 and the adapter 120 can establish and maintain a substantially continuous and/or periodically verified communications link. If the link is severed, e.g., the locator 150 moves out of communications range from the adapter 120, the locator 150 and/or the adapter 120 can emit a signal, such as an audible or visual alarm, to alert the user to the broken connection. Such an embodiment could reduce the likelihood of the user forgetting to carry the adapter 120 and/or the locator 150 together.

In use, the locator 150 and the adapter 120, can cooperatively function to aid the user in identifying and/or locating the adapter 120, which can, in turn, aid the user in locating the medicament delivery device 100. For example, when actuated the locator 150 can send a signal, e.g., via the radio 152, to the adapter 120 to cause the adapter 120 and/or the medicament delivery device 100 to emit a human-perceivable signal, such as an audible or visual alert. The human perceivable signal can be operable to draw the user's attention to the adapter 120.

In some embodiments, the locator 150 and/or the adapter 120 can be operable to calculate and/or report a distance between and/or a direction of the locator relative to the adapter 120. For example, the adapter 120 and the locator 150 can be operable to calculate their respective positions relative to each other, for example based on the strength and/or direction of a radio signal, triangulation, trilateration, GPS, or any other suitable means. In such embodiments, the locator 150 can direct the user to the location of the adapter 120 based on the calculation of the relative positions. This arrangement can allow, for example, the locator 150 and/or the adapter 120 to produce a dynamic alert based on the change in relative position of the locator 150 and the adapter 120. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter 120 can emit a pulsed audible output when communication with the locator 150 is established. Based on the calculated relative position and/or distance between the adapter 120 and the locator 150, an intensity, frequency and/or magnitude of the audible output can change. In particular, the frequency and/or magnitude of the audible output (e.g., a beep) can get higher and/or louder as the locator 150 is moved closer to the adapter 120 (and/or the medicament delivery device 100). In this manner the adapter 120 and/or the locator 150 can include and/or operate as a proximity detector.

In some instances, a person requiring administration of a medicament, “a patient,” may not be the person administering the delivery of the medicament (referred to herein as “a user”). For example, the medicament contained in the medicament delivery device 100 may be intended for administration in a medical emergency, during which the patient may be incapacitated. For example, in some embodiments, the medicament delivery device (e.g., the medicament delivery device described above with reference to FIGS. 1-34) may be intended to deliver epinephrine in the event of an anaphylactic crisis, or to deliver naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose, or any other potentially life-saving medication. In such an emergency, the patient may not be able to operate the medicament delivery device 100. Accordingly, as described herein, in such circumstances, the monitor 150 can detect the presence of a medical condition (e.g., via sensor 156), can produce an instruction, alert or other notification (e.g., via the audible output device 154), and can either prompt the third party care giver to initiate communication with the adapter 120 or automatically establish such communications. For example, in some embodiments the sensor 156 can be operable to detect physiological parameters associated with the patient, such as heart rate/pulse, respiratory rate, blood sugar, blood oxygen, an immune response, acceleration (e.g., associated with a fall), brain activity, and/or the like. In the event the locator 150 detects an abnormal condition that may require medical attention, the locator 150 can emit a signal to be received by the adapter 120, such that the adapter can provide an indication, instruction or the like as discussed herein. In this manner, the locator 150 can also function as a “monitoring device.”

In some embodiments, the locator 150 and any of the monitoring devices, adapters and/or locators described herein can be configured to send a wireless signal in response to the detection of an abnormal condition or potential emergency. In particular, in some embodiments, the locator 150 and/or any device operably coupled thereto can automatically dial an emergency number such as, for example, 911 (emergency dispatcher), and/or send information associated with the location of the device and/or the end user location through GPS satellite positioning or network based positioning (using cell phone towers).

In other embodiments, the locator 150 can be triggered by a non-emergency event. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor 156 can be configured to measure environmental conditions or the like (e.g., temperature, humidity, presence of certain allergens, etc.) and establish communications with the adapter 120 based on such measurements. For example, in some embodiments, the medicament delivery device 100 can be an inhaler, and the locator 150 can measure and analyze environmental data such that the locator 150 can alert the patient and/or user to use the inhaler.

Although the locator 150 is shown as including a sensor 156, in other embodiments, the locator 150 need not include any sensors. For example, in some embodiments, the locator 150 be conspicuous and/or include a conspicuous label such that a third party will recognize the locator 150, and can then manually initiate communication with the adapter 120 (e.g., by pressing a switch, similar to actuating a “page” feature). For example, in some embodiments, the locator 150 can include a conspicuous start button that, when pushed, results in a message being produced by the locator 150. The message can state, for example, “THE PERSON WEARING THIS IDENTIFIER IS CARRYING AN AUTO-INJECTOR TO TREAT SYMPTOMS RELATED TO . . . IF THIS PERSON IS EXHIBITING SUCH SYMPTOMS, PLEASE LOCATE THE AUTO-INJECTOR, WHICH IS NOW BEEPING, AND FOLLOW THE NEXT SET OF INSTRUCTIONS.”

Although the adapter 120 is shown as being a separate component that is coupled to a medicament delivery device 100 (e.g., such a sleeve, and adapter, or the like), in other embodiments, the functionality of the adapter 120 can be incorporated into the medicament delivery device 100, such that the locator 150 communicates and/or interacts directly with the medicament delivery device 100 to perform the functions described herein.

Although shown as interacting with a single medicament delivery device 100, in other embodiments, an adapter 120 can interact with more than one medicament delivery device 100. In other embodiments, a locator 150 can interact with more than one adapter 120 and/or medicament delivery device 100. For example, FIG. 36 shows a medicament delivery system including a locator 250, a first adapter 220A that can be operable to interact with a medicament delivery device 200 and a second adapter 220B that can be operable to interact with a medicament container 260. The locator 250 can include a radio 252, an audible output device 254, and/or one or more sensors 256, and can be operable communicate with the adapter 220A and the adapter 220B, and/or provide an audible output, in a similar manner as described above with reference to the locator 150, and as described below.

In particular, the locator 250 can communicate with the adapter 220A to confirm the existence of, identify and/or locate the medicament delivery device 200, as described above with reference to the locator 150 and adapter 120. Thus, the adapter 220A can include any of the structure and components, and can function similar to any of the adapters described herein. In this manner, in the event of a medical condition involving the medicament in the medicament container 260 (e.g., an overdose), the adapter 220A can assist the user (or patient) in locating the medicament delivery device 200. In addition, because the locator 250 is in communication with the adapter 220B, the locator 250 and/or the adapter 220B can, as described below, provide compliance and/or historical information related to the use of the medicament in the medicament container 260 (e.g., how many pills were recently removed from the container), as well as instructions and/or assistance in identifying and/or locating the medicament delivery device 200.

The adapter 220B includes a sensor 226 to monitor location, use history, fill level and/or any other suitable parameter associated with the medicament container 260 and/or the medicament delivery device 200. In this manner, when the locator 250 is activated (e.g., by a user), the locator and the adapter 220B can provide information to the user regarding the status of the medicament. In addition to assisting in the location of the medicament delivery device 200, providing such information can be important in determining the appropriate course of action. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter 220B can be operably coupled to the medicament container 260, and the sensor 226 can be operable to determine, measure, record, and/or otherwise monitor the contents and/or the use of the medicament container 260. In some embodiments, the sensor 226 can measure the weight, volume, quantity, and/or any other appropriate parameter of the medicament within the medicament container 260. The sensor 226 can be an optical sensor configured to align with a window of the medicament container 260 to measure color, fill level, turbidity, and/or any other suitable parameter. In some embodiments, the sensor 226 can detect when the cap of the medicament container 260 is removed, when the medicament is administered, the amount of medicament in the medicament container 260, withdrawal of medicament from the medicament container 260, and/or changes in the volume and/or mass of the contents of the medicament container 260. In this manner, the adapter 220A can provide the user, an emergency first responder, and/or any other person information regarding the contents and/or usage history of the medicament container 260.

In one example, the medicament container 260 includes a pain medication, such as opioids. In the event of an overdose, information regarding the identity and usage history of the opioids may be relevant to the treatment of the patient. If the patient has recently received a large dose of opioids, it may be necessary to treat the patient for an overdose, for example by administering an opioid antagonist. By monitoring the medicament container 260, the adapter 220B (either alone or in conjunction with the locator 250) can alert a user (e.g., a third party) if treatment is needed. The adapter 220B can cooperatively function with the locator 250, the medicament delivery device 200 (and/or the adapter 220A or sleeve of the device) to produce a signal and/or indication identifying and/or locating the medicament delivery device. In particular, the adapter 220A, the adapter 220B and/or the locator 250 can produce and signals and/or provide any indications in a similar manner as the adapter 120 and/or the locator 150 described above. For example, the adapter 220A and/or the locator 250 can also instruct the user to use the medicament delivery device 200, which can include the opioid antagonist.

In another example, the medicament delivery device 200 and/or the medicament container 260 can include a dose of vaccine, such as a hepatitis B vaccine or an HPV vaccine to be administered within a certain time period. The sensor 226 of the adapter 220B can be operable to monitor the storage time and/or temperature of the medicament delivery device 200 and/or the medicament container 260 to improve the likelihood that an efficacious dose of medicament is delivered. If the medicament delivery device 200 and/or the medicament container 260 is not used within a predetermined time period, the adapter 220B can alert the user and/or a caregiver, such as a prescribing doctor, healthcare provider, or insurance company that the medicament has not yet been delivered. For example, the adapter 220B can emit an audible and/or visual alert, e.g., via the audible output device 224. In addition or alternatively, the adapter 220B can send an electronic signal via the radio 222 operable to alert the user and/or healthcare provider (either directly to a remote device, such as a smart phone, or via the locator 250).

In some embodiments, the adapter 220B and/or the adapter 220A can be operable to receive a signal via the radio 222 (although the radio 222 is not shown as being included within the adapter 220A, it is understood that the functionality of the adapter 220A can be the same as or similar to the functionality of the adapter 220B). In some embodiments, for example, the healthcare provider can remotely query the adapter 220 regarding the status and/or use history of the medicament delivery device 200 and/or medicament container 260. In this way, the healthcare provider can determine whether the medicament delivery device 200 and/or the medicament container 260 has been used within the predetermined time period and/or can schedule follow-up contact and/or care based on the use of the medicament delivery device 200 and/or the medicament container 260.

In some embodiments, the locator 250 and/or the adapter 220B can be included within and/or can be a portion of a container within which the medicament container 260 is disposed (e.g., for storage, shipping or the like). For example, in some embodiments the medicament container 260 can be disposed within the adapter 220B, such that the sensor 226 and/or the other components of the adapter 220B are operably coupled to the medicament container 260. In other embodiments, the adapter 220B can be coupled to and/or can be a portion of the medicament container 260. For example, the adapter 220B can be a cap of the medicament container 260, an insert for the medicament container 260, a dispenser for the medicament container 260, a sleeve, a case, and/or label of the medicament container 260.

In some embodiments, the system can include the adapter 220B that is coupled to the medicament container 260 external to the housing or medicament contained therein. For example in some embodiments the adapter 220B can be a sleeve and/or label of the medicament container 260. In other embodiments, the system can include an adapter 220B that is coupled within the medicament container 260. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter 220B can be included within a desiccant package contained within the medicament container 260, on an interior surface of the medicament container 260. Similarly, the adapter 220A can be coupled to, included within and/or can be a portion of the medicament delivery device 200. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter 220A can be a mouth piece that is removably coupled to an inhaler.

Although not shown in FIG. 36, the adapter 220A can include any of the functionality of the adapter 220B described above. For example, the adapter 220A can include a sensor and/or a switch to determine a parameter associated with of operation of the medicament delivery device 200. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter 220A can be coupled to an inhaler (or other multi-dose device), and can track the patient's compliance in using the device. In this manner, the adapter 220A and/or the adapter 220B can function, either independently, in conjunction with each other and/or in conjunction with the locator 250 as “smart sleeves” to improve the efficacy of the dosages contained in either the medicament container 260 or the medicament delivery device 200.

Although described, at least in part, as relating to an emergency situation, the systems and methods described herein can be easily extended to non-emergency situations. For example, in a chronic-care setting a patient can purchase an initial kit that includes the adapters 220A and 220B, and one or more locators 250 configured to communicate with the adapters, as described herein. The user can removably couple the adapter 220B to the medicament container 260 and/or the adapter 220A to the medicament delivery device 200, such that upon refilling the medication, the appropriate adapter can be coupled to the replacement medicament container 260 and/or medicament delivery device 200.

Although the medicament container 260 and the medicament delivery device 200 are described above as being separate (although related in application), in some embodiments, the medicament container 260 can be disposed within the medicament delivery device 200. For example, the medicament container 260 can be a vial of medicament disposed within and delivered by an auto injector, inhaler, and/or other suitable medicament delivery device 260. In another embodiment, the medicament container 260 can be operable to refill and/or replenish the medicament delivery device 200. For example, the medicament container 260 can transfer medicament to the medicament delivery device 200 or, although only one medicament container 260 is shown, in some embodiments, a kit can multiple medicament containers 260 (refills). In other embodiments, the medicament container 260 can be used in conjunction with and/or independently from the medicament delivery device 200. For example, the medicament container 260 can include medicament related to, but not administered via the medicament delivery device 200. For example, the medicament container 260 can include opioids and the medicament delivery 200 device can be operable to deliver an opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, naltrexone or the like, in the event of an opioid overdose.

Although the adapter 220A and the adapter 220B are shown as communicating through the locator 250, the devices shown and described herein can communicate in a peer-to-peer fashion.

FIG. 37 is a signal diagram illustrating a series of communications operable to increase the likelihood that a patient 3152 receives appropriate medical care in the event of a medical emergency and/or during a dosing regimen. In the event that the patient 3152 requires treatment and needs assistance and/or is not able to operate a medicament delivery device 3100 configured to provide the needed treatment, it may be necessary to alert a third-party bystander or emergency first responder (a user 3102). As described herein, the alert can include a notification of the presence of the medicament delivery device 3100 and/or provide the user 3102 instructions for the use of the medicament delivery device 3100. As shown in FIG. 37, a system includes a monitoring device 3150, a adapter 3120 and/or a communication device 3122 that cooperatively aid the patient 3152 and/or the user 3102 in identifying the medical emergency, locating the medicament delivery device 3100, administering the needed treatment, and/or reporting the medical emergency. Although FIG. 37 shows each of the monitoring device 3150, the adapter 3120, the medicament delivery device 3100 and/or the communication device 3122, in some embodiments certain functions attributed to one of these devices can be performed by any other of these devices. Moreover, a system and method according to an embodiment need not include each of these devices.

Each of the monitoring device 3150, the adapter 3120, the medicament delivery device 3100 and/or the communication device 3122 can be operable to send and/or receive signals. The signals can be human perceivable, such as audible, visual, vibratory and/or haptic alerts. In other embodiments, the signals can be electromagnetic signals, radio signals, IR signals and/or signals otherwise not human perceivable. An embodiment can include both human perceivable and signals that are not human perceivable.

As shown by the signal 3210, the monitoring device 3150 is operably coupled to the patient 3152 and can send and/or receive the signal 3210. More particularly, the monitoring device 3150 is operable to sense when the patient 3152 requires the administration of a medicament, e.g., from the medicament delivery device 3100, and can produce the signal 3210 in response thereto. The monitoring device 3150 can be, for example, a sensor operable to detect physiological parameters associated with the patient 3152, such as heart rate/pulse, respiratory rate, blood sugar, blood oxygen, an immune response, acceleration (e.g., associated with a fall), brain activity, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the monitoring device 3150 can be similar to the locator 150 and/or the locator 250 described above, or any of the other locators described below. For example, in some embodiments, the monitoring device can be integrated with and/or coupled to a piece of jewelry (e.g., a ring, watch or necklace) worn by the user, or the like.

In the event the monitoring device 3150 detects a condition that may require medical attention, the monitoring device 3150 can emit the signal 3220 operable to alert the patient 3150 and/or the signal 3220 to alert the user 3102 to the abnormal condition. Signals 3220 and/or 3230 can be an audible and/or visual alert, such as an alarm, a strobing light, and/or a recorded instruction. If the patient 3152 is capable of responding the condition (e.g., the patient 3152 is not incapacitated) the patient 3152 can silence the alarm and/or administer the necessary treatment (e.g., using the medicament delivery device 3100). If, however, the patient 3152 is incapable of responding to the condition (e.g., the patient 3152 is incapacitated), the signal 3230 can notify the user 3102 that the patient 3152 requires medical attention, that the medicament delivery device 3100 is present, provide instructions for using the medicament delivery device 3100, and/or instructions for obtaining further information related to the medicament delivery device 3100.

In addition to producing the signals 3220 and 3230, the monitoring device 3150 can produce the signal 3240 to communicate with an adapter 3120, which can be coupled to or integral with the medicament delivery device 3100. The adapter 3120 can be similar to the locator devices 120 and/or 220 shown and described above. In some embodiments, the adapter 3120 can be incorporated into a sleeve within which at least a portion of the medicament delivery device 3100 is disposed (e.g. similar to the sleeve 4200 shown and described above with reference to FIGS. 3-34). The adapter 3120 can facilitate communication with and/or identification of the medicament delivery device 3100.

As described herein, the monitoring device 3150 and the adapter 3120 can cooperate to aid the user 3102 in locating the medicament delivery device 3100. For example, signal 3240 can cause the adapter 3120 to emit an audible or visual alert operable to draw the user's 3102 attention, and/or the monitoring device can be operable to ascertain the location of the adapter 3120, e.g., via radio location techniques, and emit an output operable to guide the user to the adapter 3120. For example, the monitoring device 3150 can emit a tone and/or chirp that varies in pitch, frequency, and/or volume as the distance between the monitoring device 3150 and the adapter 3120 changes. In this way, the adapter 3120 can be operable to guide the user 3102 to the medicament delivery device 3100.

As shown as signal 3250, the medicament delivery device 3100 can provide instructions to the user 3102 and/or can direct the user 3102 to obtain instructions for the use of the medicament delivery device 3100. For example, the instruction can any of the electronic instructions described herein, such as electronic output OP1 and/or OP2 shown and described above with reference to the medicament delivery device 4000. In some embodiments, signal 3250 can include recorded instructions regarding the use of the medicament delivery device 3100. In some embodiments, after the medicament delivery device is located, a visual output in the form of LCD Display output can direct the user regarding instructions for using the device.

In some embodiments, either the patient 3152 and/or the user 3102 can possess the communication device 3122, and the system and/or the communication device 3122 can be adapted and/or enabled to perform all or portions of the functions of the monitoring device 3150, the adapter 3120 and/or the medicament delivery device 3100. In this manner, the system and methods can utilize the communication resources that are commonly available. In particular, in some embodiments, the communication device 3122 can be a smart phone or other portable electronic device (pager, game system, music system or the like). In such embodiments, the systems described herein can be configured to employ the communication resources (e.g., the speakers, display capabilities, signal processing, transmission/reception capabilities, or the like) of the communication device 3122 to enhance the performance of the overall system.

For example, in some embodiments, the medicament delivery device 3100, the monitoring device 3150 and/or the adapter 3120 can include a label having a machine-readable code. The machine-readable code can be, for example, a bar code, a QR code™ and/or an address of a website. During an event, the user can scan or otherwise read the machine-readable code using the communication device 3122 (e.g., a cellular phone) to access instructions. For example, in some embodiments, upon scanning the machine-readable code, the user's cellular phone will be directed to a website or other location in which instructions for using the medicament delivery device 3100 and/or otherwise treating the patient are provided. In other embodiments, the label can include a text message prompting the user to scan the machine-readable code with the patient's communication device 3122. In a similar manner, the patient's communication device can be directed to a website or other location in which instructions for using the medicament delivery device 3100 and/or otherwise treating the patient are provided 3122. Moreover, the patient's communication device 3122 can include information unique to the patient, such as, for example, a listing of contacts to reach in the event of an emergency (in some embodiments, by scanning the machine-readable code, a text message will automatically be sent to this list), an application stored locally that provides detailed instructions unique to the patient or the like.

In other embodiments, the communication device 3122 can enable the user 3102 to access the patient's 3152 medical history, provide patient specific instructions, and/or prompt the user 3102 to notify emergency personnel and/or the patient's 3152 emergency contact. For example, in some embodiments, upon detection of an event, the patient's communication device 3122 can emit a ring tone prompting the user 3102 to access the communication device 3122. Upon accessing the patient's communication device 3122, the user 3102 can receive signals and/or information related to the patient's medical history or the like.

In other embodiments, the communication device 3122 (e.g., either the user's mobile computing device or the patient's mobile computing device) can be configured to receive a signal (not shown) from the medicament delivery device 3100 and/or the adapter 3120. The signal can be received, for example, after the communication device 3122 is used to scan a label, tag or other machine-readable code on the medicament delivery device 3100 and/or the adapter 3120. In other embodiments, the signal can be received automatically (e.g., without the need to scan a code), for example, in response to the manipulation of the medicament delivery device 3100. Upon receiving the signal, the communication device 3122 can then transmit visual and audible instructions for using the medicament delivery device 3100. In some embodiments, for example, the medicament delivery device 3100 and/or the adapter 3120 can include an electronic circuit system similar to the electronic circuit system 4900 shown and described above, except that instead of producing an output via LED's (e.g., LED 4958A and 4958B) and/or an audible output device (e.g., device 4956), the electronic circuit system produces a wireless signal in response to actuation of the switches therein (e.g., switches 4926 and 4946). In some embodiments, the wireless signal can be received by the communication device 3122 (e.g., either the user's mobile computing device or the patient's mobile computing device). The communication device 3122 can then, in turn, produce the audible and visual instructions in response to manipulation of the medicament delivery device 3100. This arrangement allows the computing and/or communication resources of the communication device 3120 to be used to enhance the instructions, locating capabilities and/or the like of the systems described herein.

Although FIG. 37 is shown and described as having a separate monitoring device 3150 and adapter 3120, in some embodiments, some or all of the functions of the monitoring device 3150 and the adapter 3120 can be combined in a single device. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, a system can include and/or employ a cellular phone 6122 operable to communicate with the medical delivery device 6100 (e.g., via Bluetooth™). The cellular phone 6122 can also be configured to communicate with the patient 6152 and/or the user 6102 (e.g., via audio or visual outputs), and the medicament delivery device 6100 (e.g., via Zigbee™) to aid the patient 6152 and/or the user 6102 in identifying, locating and/or using the medicament delivery device 6100. The medicament delivery device 6100 can be similar to the medicament delivery devices shown and described above. The locator device 6120 can be similar to the locator devices shown and described above, and/or can be integrated into the medicament delivery device or cover (e.g., the sleeve 4200).

For example, the functions of the monitoring device 3150 described above can incorporated into the patient's cell phone 6122 (as indicated by the inclusion of the monitoring device 6150). For example, the monitoring device 6150 can be operable to sense when the patient 6152 requires the administration of a medicament. As described above with reference to FIG. 37, the monitoring device 6150 can be operably coupled to monitor the patient 6152, as shown by the arrow 6210. The monitoring device 6150 can comprise sensors incorporated into and/or operatively coupled to the cell phone 6122, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or peripheral devices, such as heart rate monitors. Upon detecting a condition, the patient's 6152 cell phone can alert the patient 6152 (via signal 6220) and/or the user 6102 (via signal 6230). For example, in some embodiments, the cell phone 6122, can emit an audible, visual, and/or haptic signal to draw the attention of the patient (e.g., signal 6220) and/or the user (signal 6230). Signals 6220 and/or 6230 can instruct the patient 6152 and/or the user 6102, respectively, that the patient 6152 requires medical attention.

In some embodiments, the system can include one or more sensors external to the cell phone 6122, but which are coupled to the cell phone, either wireless or via a wired connection. For example, in some embodiments the patient 6152 may wear a monitoring device, such a glucose meter, a heart rate monitor or the like. Although such external devices may produce an audible alarm, the systems and methods described herein allow the patient's cell phone 6122 to act as a central “hub” to receive such signals, produce an enhanced output, communicate with the medicament delivery device 6100 or the like.

The cell phone 6122 can also be operable to display e.g., via a visual output device, or emit, e.g., via an audible output device, information and/or instructions regarding the patient's medical history and/or the administration of medicament using the medicament delivery device 6100. The cell phone 6122 can also automatically contact emergency personnel and/or prompt the patient 6152 and/or the user 6102 to contact emergency personnel.

For example, in some embodiments, the cell phone 6122 (either the patient's cell phone or the user's cell phone) can execute an application (e.g., in hardware) that can unlock and/or otherwise configure the cell phone 6122 to be used by the patient 6152 and/or the user 6102. In some embodiments, the cell phone 6122 can automatically display a prompt and/or instruction upon detecting a specified condition. Thus, the cell phone 6122 can be configured to be useable and/or provide information to the user 6102 in the event of a medical emergency without requiring a password or unlock sequence. For example, in some embodiments, the touch screen of the cell phone 6122 can display a button in response to the detection of a specified condition that prompts a user (e.g., a third party) to enter the application. In other embodiments, the cell phone 6122 can display a message prompting the user to “swipe,” scan or read a particular code thereby unlocking the cell phone for subsequent use as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the user can be prompted to swipe, scan or read an identification card, another device, a medicament container or the like.

The cell phone 6122 can aid the user 6102 in administering medicament to the patient 6152 using the medicament delivery device 6100. For example, the cell phone 6122 can send a signal 6240 to the medicament delivery device 6100 to aid the user 6102 in locating the medicament delivery device 6100. The cell phone 6122 can provide instructions to assist the user 6102 in administering a medicament to the patient 6152 via the medicament delivery device 6100.

Although the locators (e.g., locator 150) are shown and described above as being “wearable” items, such as a key fob, jewelry or the like, in other embodiments a locator can be a substantially stationary item. Moreover, although the locators (e.g., locator 150) are shown and described above as being unique to a particular patient, in other embodiments, a locator can be used to track multiple different patients and/or to communicate with multiple different devices (either different devices of the same type or different devices of different types). Such a locator can be used, for example, in an institutional setting (schools, nursing homes, hospitals or the like) to improve the ability of patients and user to identify, locate and/or actuate a variety of different medicament delivery devices. Moreover, in some embodiments, a locator can, in addition to performing the identification and/or location features described herein, serve to prevent unauthorized and/or undesired access to medicaments. For example, FIGS. 39-41 depict a kit (or container) 300 according to an embodiment. The kit 300 includes a medicament container 360 containing any suitable medicament. The kit 300 can be intended for home and/or institutional use and can be wall-mounted and/or otherwise substantially fixed in a particular location. The kit 300 can store and/or dispense a medicament (e.g., from within the medicament container). In some embodiments, the kit 300 can dispense an opioid and/or provide access control for an opioid.

The kit 300 also includes a movable portion 318, such as, for example, a hinged lid, that has a first position (see FIG. 39) and a second position (see FIGS. 40-41). When the movable portion 318 is in the first position, the movable portion 318 covers an internal region 312 defined the kit 300. Conversely, when the movable portion 318 is in the second position, at least a portion of the internal region 312 of the kit 300 is exposed. Said another way, when the movable portion 318 is in the second position, the medicament container 360 can be removed from the internal region 312 of the kit 300.

The container or kit 300 includes an electronic circuit system 322 that is operatively coupled to and/or includes a radio 324, a first switch 336, and a second switch 337. The switches can be operably coupled to any suitable mechanism. In particular, the first switch 336 is coupled to a lock mechanism (not shown) that, when in the locked configuration, will prevent the movable portion 318 from being moved into the opened position. The electronic circuit system 322 is includes an actuator or other mechanism configured to cause the first switch 336 to move between a first state (e.g., closed) and a second state (e.g., opened) when the radio 342 receives a signal from an access control device 310 and/or the electronic circuit system 322 validates the signal. When the first switch 336 is in its second state (e.g., opened) the locking mechanism is “unlocked” such that the movable portion 318 can be moved between its first position and its second position, as indicated by arrow E in FIG. 40. In this manner, the patient or user can only access the medicament container when the access control device 310 is present and is manipulated to send the access signal.

The access control device 310 can be, for example an RFID device. The electronic circuit system 322 can log information associated with the access control device 310, such as a unique identifier (e.g., when the kit 300 is configured to be accessed by more than one user each having a unique access control device 310), time of access, number of access attempts, time between access attempts, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 322 can be configured to only allow access to the contents of the kit 300 (e.g., only move the first switch 336 from the first state to the second state) at certain times, after certain intervals, and/or to certain individuals. The radio 324 can transmit a signal associated with usage history to, e.g., a remote monitoring device (such as a computer), and/or receive and respond to a query regarding usage history.

As an example, the medicament container 360 can include a controlled substance and/or a medicament with potentially dangerous side effects, such as an opioid. This arrangement limits access to the medicament container 360 the identity of the user (e.g., via the access control device 310), based on time, past usage, and/or quantity. In some embodiments, access to the medicament container 360 can also be limited to patients having a medicament delivery device (e.g., an auto-injector) containing an opioid antagonist. In this manner, the system ensures access to the opioid only when there exists the likelihood that rapid treatment will be available in the event of an overdose (i.e., via the presence of the medicament delivery device). In such an embodiment, the medicament delivery device containing the opioid antagonist can be or include the access control device 310. The medicament delivery device can include, for example, an RFID chip detectable by the radio 324. When the patient presents the medicament delivery device (the access control device 310), the electronic circuit system can identify the user and determine whether to grant access to the medicament.

The second switch 337 is configured to move between a first state (e.g., closed) and a second state (e.g., opened) when the medicament container 360 is removed from the internal region 312 of the kit 300, as indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 41. The electronic circuit system 330 can be configured to log the removal of the medicament container 360 in response to the changing state of the switch. The electronic circuit system can associate the removal of the medicament container 360 with a user identifier provided by the access control device 310. In some embodiments, second switch 337 can be operable to determine the quantity of medicament removed from the interior region 312 of the kit.

In some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 330 can be configured to cause the radio 324 to transmit a signal associated with the removal of the medicament container 360 from the interior region 312 of the kit 300. For example, in some embodiments, the kit 300 can communicate with a computer (not shown) to log medicament usage and/or send notifications (e.g., notify medical providers, notify emergency personnel, notify pre-programmed contact personnel, etc.).

In some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 330 can be configured to output an audible and/or visual output, for example via a speaker and/or an LCD screen when the second switch 337 is moved from its first state to its second state, for example, a recorded speech output and/or a video output associated with an identification of the medicament container 360, an identification of patient symptoms (e.g., instructions for assessing the physical condition of the patient) and/or an instruction for using the medicament. For example, in some embodiments the output can be an audio-visual output via both a speaker and an LCD screen step-by-step instructions for using the medicament.

Although the movable member 318 is shown and described as being a hinged lid, in some embodiments, the movable member can be coupled to the container in any suitable fashion. For example, in some embodiments, the movable member 318 can be a removable cover that is slidingly coupled to the container. In other embodiments, the movable member 318 can be a removable cover that is threadedly coupled to the container (i.e., a removable cap). In yet other embodiments, the movable member 318 can be a removable cover that is coupled to the container via an interference fit. In yet other embodiments, the movable member 318 can be a frangible cover that is irreversibly removed from the container during use of the medical device. For example, in some embodiments the movable member 318 can be a frangible cover that provides a tamperproof seal, a sanitary seal, or the like.

Although the containers, kits and/or adapters are shown and described in some instances above as being rigid, box-like containers, in other embodiments, a container, kit and/or adapter can have any suitable shape and/or flexibility. For example, in some embodiments, a container, kit and/or adapter can be a flexible, pouch-like container. Such a container, kit and/or adapter can be more easily carried in certain circumstances, such as, for example at outdoor events (e.g., children's camps, concerts, picnics or the like). In other embodiments, a container, kit and/or adapter can be a tube or sheath (e.g., similar to the cover 4200 described above) configured to contain all or a portion of a medicament delivery device 360.

Although FIGS. 39-41 depict and describe a medicament container 360 removable from the interior region 312 of the container or kit 300, in other embodiments, the kit 300 can be operable to dispense medicament without a container 360. For example, the kit 300 can be operable to dispense medicament tablets, pills, liquid, aerosols, and/or any other suitable medicament form. In such embodiments, the movable member 318 can be a dispensing mechanism configured to meter a quantity of medicament. For example, the moveable member 318 and/or the second switch 337 can be operable to count and dispense an appropriate number of pills. The moveable member 318 and/or the second switch 337 can also include a loss-in-weight meter, a volumetric pump, and/or any other suitable mechanism for dispensing, metering, and/or measuring the removal of medicament and/or medicament container(s) 360 from the interior region 312.

In some embodiments, the medicament container 360 can be a medicament delivery device and/or the medicament container 360 can be disposed within a medicament delivery device. In such an embodiment, the medicament delivery device can be similar to the medicament delivery device 4000 shown and described above.

FIG. 42 depicts a schematic illustration of a medicament delivery device 11002 operable to be coupled to a case or cover 11197. The medicament delivery device 11002 can be similar to the medicament delivery devices shown and described above, such as medicament delivery device 4000. The case 11197 can be a case operable to be physically and/or electrically coupled to the medicament delivery device 11002 and a communication device 11990 (e.g., a cell phone). The case 11197 can be a sleeve (such as the cover 4200 described above), a flexible pouch or the like. The case 11197 includes an electronic circuit system 11920. The electronic circuit system 11920 can be any electronic circuit system of the type shown and described herein. For example, the electronic circuit system 11920 can be configured to monitor the status of the medicament delivery device 11002, interact with (or be actuated by) to produce a signal, actuate the medicament delivery device 11002, provide instructions for using the medicament delivery device 11002 or the like.

In some embodiments, the medicament delivery device 11002 can include a safety guard that is moved prior to administering the medicament and an actuator that is moved to initiate delivery of the medicament. The safety guard can be similar to safety lock 4700 shown and described above. The actuator can be similar to the base 4300 shown and described above. In some embodiments, the medicament delivery device 11002 and/or the case 11197 can detect that the medicament delivery device 11002 is ready for use and send a signal to the communication device 11990. In response, the communication device 11990 (e.g., the cell phone) can provide instructions to the patient and/or user regarding the use of the medicament delivery device 11002. For example, in some embodiments, movement of the safety guard (to place the medicament delivery device 11002 in a “ready” configuration) can trigger the electronic circuit system 11920, causing the case 11197 to “detect” the status of the medicament delivery device 11002. The case 11197 can then send a signal that is received by the communication device 11990 such that an application running on the communication device 11990 provides instructions. In some embodiments, the communication device 11990 can be operable to send a signal, such as an alert to a pre-programmed emergency contact via the communication network 11999.

In some embodiments, the case 11197 can include sensors and/or can receive signals from the medicament delivery device 11002. In this manner, the case 11197 can transmit information associated with the use of the medicament delivery device 11002 to the communication device 11990. The communication device 11990 can provide instructions to the patient and/or user based on the status and/or a change in configuration of the medicament delivery device 11002. For example, the communication device 11990 can provide different instructions associated with the removal of a safety guard, positioning the medicament delivery device 11002 and/or case 11197 against a body part, and/or triggering the medicament delivery device 11002 (e.g., movement of an actuator or base).

In some such embodiments, the communication device 11990, the case 11197, and the medicament delivery device 11002 can be communicatively coupled such that the status and/or use of the medicament delivery device 11002 can be remotely monitored. For example, the case 11197 can be operable to report the status of the medicament delivery device 11002 to a remote server via the communication device 11990 and the communication network 11999.

In some embodiments, a case or cover can be configured to removably contain at last a portion a medicament delivery device and a communication device (e.g., a cell phone). In this manner, the case can operably couple a medicament delivery device to an off-the-shelf communication device to produce a “smart” medicament delivery device. For example, FIGS. 43 and 44 are schematic diagrams of a case 21197 coupled to a medicament delivery device 21990 and a cell phone 21002. The medicament delivery device can be similar to the medicament delivery device 4000 as shown and described above or any other suitable device. The case 21197 can define a first volume operable to contain the medicament delivery device 21990 and a second volume operable to contain a cell phone 21002. Thus, the case 21197 can couple the medicament delivery device 21990 to the cell phone 21992, thereby increasing the likelihood that the medicament delivery device 21990 is available in the event that a medicament is needed.

The case 21197 contains an electronic circuit 21920. The electronic circuit system 21920 can be operable to store, process and/or produce electronic signals associated with the use of the medicament delivery device 21990. The electronic system 21920 can be similar to any of the electronic circuit systems shown and described herein. Moreover, the electronic system 21920 is communicatively coupled to the cell phone 21002. The electronic system 21920 can be communicatively coupled to the cell phone 21002 via any suitable mechanism, such as, for example via a wired configuration (via the docking port, USB port, or other port on the cell phone 21002), via a physical connection (e.g., via a member, switch actuator or the like that transmits input to the cell phone 21002 via the touch screen or other buttons on the cell phone 21002) or wirelessly via an RF or optical signal. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 21920 can provide an input to the cell phone 21002 via a microphone of the cell phone 21002. For example, in some embodiments, manipulation of the case 21197 and/or the medicament delivery device 21990 disposed therein (as described below) can result in the electronic circuit system 21920 producing a pressure wave (either audible or inaudible) having a particular frequency or pattern of frequencies that is detectable by the microphone. In this manner, the electronic circuit system 21920 can trigger the cell phone to send a signal, run an application, or the like, based on the status and/or change in configuration of the medicament delivery device 21990.

In some embodiments, the electronic circuit system 21920 can be operably coupled to the medicament delivery device 21990. In some embodiments, the case 21197 and/or the electronic circuit system 21920 can be physically, but not electronically coupled to the medicament delivery device 21990. In such an embodiment, the case 21197 can be operable to monitor the status of (e.g., to receive input from) the medicament delivery device via physical changes and/or forces applied by or to the medicament delivery device 21990, as described in more detail herein.

The medicament delivery device 21990 includes a safety tab 21995 and an actuator 21997. The safety tab 21195 and the actuator 21997 can be, for example, similar to the safety lock 4700 and the base 4300, respectively, shown and described above. As shown, in FIG. 43, a portion of the safety tab 21995 is disposed outside of the case 21997 prior to use of the medicament delivery device 21990. In this manner, although the medicament deliver device 21990 is disposed within and/or is covered by the case 21977, the user can prepare the medicament delivery device 21990 for actuation by accessing the exposed portion of the safety tab 21995. The safety tab 21995 can be removed before using the medicament delivery device 21990 as indicated by arrow G in FIG. 43. Moreover, removing the safety tab 21995 can cause the medicament delivery device 21990 to change position (i.e., to a “ready position”) within the case 21197. In this manner, a delivery member (e.g., a needle) of the medicament delivery device 21990 can be moved in proximity to the opening through which the safety tab 21995 was disposed, thereby preparing the device to deliver the medicament therein.

When the safety tab 21995 is removed, the medicament delivery device 21990 can be secured in the ready position by a movable retaining portion 21924 of the case 21197. The retaining portion 21924 can be a spring-actuated tab, a deformable portion of the case 21197 or the like that, upon movement of the proximal edge of the medicament delivery device 21990, is released to limit movement of the medicament delivery device 21990. Additionally, the electronic circuit 21920 can sense that the retaining portion 21924 has secured the medicament delivery device 21990 in the ready position and can send a signal to the communication device 21002. In response, the cell phone 21002 can provide an instruction to the user and/or send a signal to a remote monitoring device, e.g., via a network, an emergency dispatch system (911 call) or the like. For example, the cell phone 21002 can instruct the user to place the case 21197 against the thigh and/or send a notification, such as an SMS message to a pre-programmed emergency contact.

The electronic circuit 21920 can sense that the retaining portion 21924 has secured the medicament delivery device 21990 via any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, a switch that is actuated upon movement and/or removal of the safety tab 21995, movement of the housing of the medicament delivery device 21990 or release and/or movement of the retaining portion 21924.

In some embodiments, the case 21197 can include a sensor 21992 (see FIG. 44) operable to detect if the case 21197 and the medicament delivery device 21990 are positioned against the body of the user. Accordingly, the electronic circuit system 21920 can send a signal to the communication device 21002 when the sensor 21922 detects that the case is properly positioned. In response, the communication device 21002 can provide an instruction to the user and/or send a signal to a remote monitoring device. For example, the communication device 21002 can instruct the user to actuate the medicament delivery device and/or send a notification, such as an SMS message to a pre-programmed emergency contact.

With the medicament delivery device 21990 in the ready position, as indicated in FIG. 44, the actuator 21997 is exposed and/or is disposed at least partially outside of the case 21997. In this manner, the medicament delivery device 21990 can be actuated by moving an actuator 21997, as indicated by arrow H. Actuating the medicament delivery device 21990 can cause it to deliver a medicament (e.g., as described above with reference to the device 4000). The electronic circuit system 21924 can detect that the medicament delivery device 21990 has been actuated, for example, by detecting a force associated with actuation against the retaining portion 21924, and can provide an instruction to the user and/or send a signal to a remote monitoring device. For example, the communication device 21002 can instruct the user to seek medical attention, and/or send a notification, such as an SMS message to a pre-programmed emergency contact. In other embodiments, a portion of the actuator 21997 can actuate and/or contact a switch of the electronic circuit system 21920 such that a signal is sent to the cell phone 21002.

In this manner, the electronic circuit system 21920 can send electronic signals associated with the status, use, and/or other function of the medicament delivery device to and/or receive electronic signals from a communications network via the cell phone 21002.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.

For example, although electronic circuit systems are shown and described above as outputting one or more outputs directed towards a single, immediate user, in some embodiments, a locator device and/or monitoring device can output multiple outputs directed towards multiple different classes of users. For example, in some embodiments, the locator device and/or monitoring device can output a first output to the immediate user and second output to a remotely located emergency response team. In such embodiments, the second output can be, for example, a phone call, SMS, a page, an e-mail or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the second output can be an e-mail to the parents and/or caregivers of a child. Moreover, such a second output can be transmitted either wirelessly or through a wired network.

Although the electronic circuit systems are shown and described above as outputting one or more outputs in response to one or more switches, in other embodiments an electronic circuit system can output an electronic output in response to any number of different inputs. For example, in some embodiments, an electronic circuit system can output an electronic output based on input from the user provided via a keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone or any other suitable input device. In this manner, the electronic outputs can be produced in response to direct feedback from the user.

Although the embodiments of FIGS. 39-41 are shown and described as receiving a signal from an access control device 310, in other embodiments, a user could enter a password PIN or other personally identifiable information to the kit 300 via a keyboard, touch screen, voice command and/or any other suitable device.

Although the kit 300 of FIGS. 39-41 are shown and described as containing a removable medicament container 360, in other embodiments, the kit 300 can dispense a medicament directly, and/or can dispense a medicament delivery device.

Some embodiments described above include an adapter (or medicament delivery device) and a locator device operable to communicate with each other and/or locate each other. The monitoring device and/or the locator device can communicate via Bluetooth™, WiFi, a cellular telephone network, a satellite pager network, localized AM or FM radio signals, Broadcast AM, FM, or satellite radio, RFID signals, human audible or inaudible sound waves, IR, Zigbee™, X10, and/or any other suitable signal. In some embodiments, the monitoring device and/or the locator device can be operable to locate any other device via, audible, visual, radio, GPS, and/or any other suitable location technique. The monitoring device and or the locator device can aid a user in locating a medicament delivery device by, for example, causing the medicament delivery device and/or the locator device to emit a audible, visual, and/or tactile alert. The alert can vary in power, frequency, and/or any other suitable parameter as the monitoring device and/or the locator device are brought closer to the medicament delivery device.

Any of the radios, transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers described herein can be operable to transmit, receive, repeat, and/or otherwise interact with electromagnetic signals. Electromagnetic signals can be of any suitable frequency. For example, the radios, transmitters, receivers, and transceivers can be operable to transmit and/or receive IEEE 802.11 signals, Bluetooth™ signals, FM radio signals, AM radio signals, cellular telephone signals, satellite pager signals, RFID signals, GPS signals, and/or any other suitable electromagnetic signal.

In some embodiments, a medicament delivery device is shown and described as an auto-injector. In other embodiments, the medicament delivery device can be a patch configured to adhere to the patient. The patch can release a medicament, for example, after receiving a signal that medical treatment is needed. The patch can receive the signal from, for example, a monitoring device. In other embodiments, the medicament delivery device can be an injector configured to be carried in a pocket of the patient's garments. The injector can be configured to inject a medicament, for example, after receiving a signal that medical treatment is needed.

In some embodiments, a locator device and/or a medicament delivery device can include an electronic circuit system and/or a sensor and be operable to output an electronic output. Such a sensor can include, for example, a proximity sensor (e.g., to determine the position of the medicament delivery device), a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the container can include a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the medicament contained within the medicament delivery device. In this manner, the electronic circuit system can output an instruction and/or a status message when the medicament is too cold for effective delivery. For example, in some embodiments, when the medicament is too cold for effective delivery (this may occur, for example, if the container is being used in an outdoor setting), the electronic circuit system can output a message, such as, for example, “Medicament is too cold—please briskly rub the auto-injector between your hands before using.”

Although in some embodiments the electronic circuit systems are shown and described above as outputting a single output in response to an input (e.g., the removal of a medicament delivery device, the change in position of a hinged lid, etc.), in other embodiments, an electronic circuit system can output a sequence of electronic outputs in response to such an input. In some embodiments, for example, when a medicament delivery device is removed from a container, an electronic circuit system can output a predetermined sequence of use instructions over a predetermined time period. For example, upon removing the medicament delivery device, the first instruction can be an audible output indicating the type of medicament delivery device removed. After a predetermined time period, the electronic circuit system can then output a second instruction, which can be a visual output instructing the user in how to diagnose the patient and/or prepare the patient for the medicament. In a similar manner, the electronic circuit system can provide additional outputs to instruct the user in the use of the medicament delivery device. Moreover, in some embodiments, the electronic circuit system can output an output instructing the user in post-use procedures, such as for example, the disposal of the medicament delivery device, instructions for follow-up treatment or the like.

For example, although the electronic circuit systems are shown and described above as being configured to output primarily audible and visual outputs, in other embodiments, an electronic circuit system can be configured to produce any suitable output. For example, in some embodiments, an electronic circuit system can produce a haptic output, such as a vibratory output produced by a piezo-electric actuator. In other embodiments, an electronic circuit system can produce a thermal output, produced by a heating or cooling element.

Although some embodiments describe a recorded message output in English, in other embodiments, the electronic circuit system can output recorded speech in any language. In yet other embodiments, the electronic circuit system can output recorded speech in multiple languages. In yet other embodiments, the user can select the language in which the recorded speech is to be output.

Medicament delivery devices shown and described above can be single-use medical injectors, or any other suitable device for delivering one or more doses of a medicament into a patient's body. For example, in some embodiments, a medicament delivery device can be a pen injector containing multiple doses of a chronic-care medicament, such as, for example, insulin. In such embodiments, an electronic circuit system can output instructions associated with not only an initial use of the medicament delivery device, but also associated with repeated uses, dosage monitoring or the like. In other embodiments, a medicament delivery device can include a transdermal medicament delivery device, an inhaler or a nasal medicament delivery device.

Any of the monitoring devices, adapters and/or locators described herein can be configured to send a signal in response to the detection of a potential emergency. For example, in some embodiments any of the devices described herein can be GPS-enabled, and can automatically dial an emergency number such as, for example, 911 (emergency dispatcher), and/or send information associated with the location of the device and/or the end user location through GPS satellite positioning or network based positioning (using cell phone towers).

Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of embodiments where appropriate. For example, in some embodiments a kit can include an electronic circuit system, two or more medicament delivery devices and a movable portion. In such embodiments, each of the medicament delivery devices can be associated with a switch. Moreover, the movable portion can also be associated with a switch. In this manner, the electronic circuit system can be configured to output a first electronic output when the movable portion is moved, a second electronic output when the first medicament delivery device is removed from the container and a third electronic output when the second medicament delivery device is removed from the container.

The medicament delivery devices described herein, such as the medicament delivery device 100, the medicament delivery device 21990 and any others described herein, can be any suitable medicament delivery device. For example, a medicament delivery device according to an embodiment can include a pen injector, an auto-injector, an inhaler or a transdermal delivery device.

In some embodiments the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers shown herein can include any suitable medicament, such as a vaccine. Such vaccines can include, for example, an influenza A vaccine, an influenza B vaccine, an influenza A (H1N1) vaccine, a hepatitis A vaccine, a hepatitis B vaccine, a haemophilus influenza Type B (HiB) vaccine, a measles vaccine, a mumps vaccine, a rubella vaccine, a polio vaccine, a human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, a tetanus vaccine, a diphtheria vaccine, a pertussis vaccine, a bubonic plague vaccine, a yellow fever vaccine, a cholera vaccine, a malaria vaccine, a cancer vaccine, a smallpox vaccine, a pneumococcal vaccine, a rotavirus vaccine, a varicella vaccine and/or a meningococcus vaccine. In other embodiments, the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers shown herein can include epinephrine. In other embodiments, the medicament contained within any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers shown herein can be naloxone, including any of the naloxone formulations described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,720, entitled “Medicament Delivery Device for Administration of Opioid Antagonists Including Formulation for Naloxone,” filed on Feb. 28, 2011.

In other embodiments, the medicament contained within any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers shown herein can include insulin, glucagon, human growth hormone (HGH), erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), denosumab, other monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs'), Interferon and other chronic therapies, or the like. Such formulations can be produced using a general lyophilization process with glucagon (of recombinant origin) using bulking agents, stabilizers, buffers, acidifying agents or other excipients comprising of, but not limited to, one or more of the following combinations: lactose, hydrochloric acid; glucose, histidine, hydrochloric acid; trehalose, mannitol, citrate; trehalose, mannitol, hydrochloric acid; trehalose, glycine, hydrochloric acid; Mannitol, ascorbic acid; and Glycine, hydrochloric acid.

In other embodiments any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers described herein can be filled with and/or used to inject medicament formulations, including lyophilized biologics and/or biopharmaceuticals, such as, for example, canakinumab, certolizumab, golimumab, and/or interleukins, for the treatment of crypyrin associated periodic syndromes, hereditary andioedema, and other auto-immune diseases. In yet other embodiments, any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers described herein can be filled with and/or used to inject intranasal biologics, such as glucagon or human growth hormone, formulated for use in an auto injector, for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, growth disorders, diabetes & treatment related disorders. Thus, although the medicament delivery devices shown herein are primarily injectors, in other embodiments, a medicament delivery device need not be a medical injector, but rather, can be an inhaler, an intranasal delivery device or the like.

In other embodiments, any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers described herein can be filled with and/or used to inject an anti-thrombolytic, such as LMWH, ULMWH, Xa Inhibitors, biotinylated idraparinux, etc., for either the acute management and/or surgical prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism or for the management of other conditions which may require anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolism, such as its use in cardiovascular diseases including atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke. In another example, in some embodiments an injector according to an embodiment can be filled with and/or used to inject formulations for the treatment of asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In other embodiments, any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers described herein can be filled with and/or used to inject recombinant hyaluronidase.

In other embodiments, any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers described herein can be filled with and/or used to inject depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for the treatment of infertility.

In other embodiments, any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers described herein can be filled with and/or used to inject environmental, food, and household allergen formulations for the treatment of allergic disease, specifically for use in immunotherapy.

In still other embodiments, the medicament contained within any of the medicament delivery devices and/or medicament containers shown herein can be a placebo substance (i.e., a substance with no active ingredients), such as water.

The medicament containers and/or medicament delivery devices disclosed herein can contain any suitable amount of any medicament. For example, in some embodiments, a medicament delivery device as shown herein can be a single-dose device containing an amount medicament to be delivered of approximately 0.4 mg, 0.8 mg, 1 mg, 1.6 mg or 2 mg. As described above, the fill volume can be such that the ratio of the delivery volume to the fill volume is any suitable value (e.g., 0.4, 0.6 or the like). In some embodiments, an electronic circuit system can include a “configuration switch” (similar to any of the switches shown and described above, such as the switch 6972) that, when actuated during the assembly of the delivery device, can select an electronic output corresponding to the dose contained within the medicament container. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: establishing a communications link between a computing device and an adapter, the adapter configured to receive at least a portion of a medicament delivery device; receiving a wireless signal to maintain the communications link; determining a relative position between the computing device and the adapter; and producing an alarm when the wireless signal is not received within a time period, the alarm based on the relative position between the computing device and the adapter.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the medicament delivery device is any one of an auto-injector, a nasal delivery device or an inhaler.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the establishing includes establishing the communications link via a short-range wireless protocol.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the establishing includes transmitting a page signal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving the wireless signal includes receiving the wireless signal periodically.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the relative position includes receiving a global positioning sensor (GPS) signal.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the producing the alarm includes producing at least one of an audible alarm, a flashing light or a vibratory alarm.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the computing device is a cell phone.
 9. A method, comprising: establishing a wireless communications link between a computing device and an adapter, the adapter configured to receive at least a portion of a medicament delivery device; maintaining the wireless communications link; determining a relative position between the computing device and the adapter; and producing an alarm when the wireless communications link is broken, the alarm based on the relative position between the computing device and the adapter.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the establishing includes transmitting a page signal.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the establishing includes receiving an input from a touch screen of the computing device.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the maintaining includes receiving a wireless signal periodically.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the determining the relative position includes receiving a global positioning sensor (GPS) signal.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: changing an intensity of the alarm based on the relative position between the computing device and the adapter.
 15. A method, comprising: establishing a wireless communications link between a computing device and an adapter, the adapter configured to receive at least a portion of an auto-injector; maintaining the wireless communications link; determining a position of the computing device; and producing an alarm when the wireless communications link is broken, the alarm based on the position of the computing device.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the establishing includes establishing automatically the wireless communications link.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the establishing includes receiving an input from a touch screen of the computing device.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the determining the position includes receiving a global positioning sensor (GPS) signal.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the alarm includes a recorded speech output.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: changing intensity based on a relative position between the computing device and the adapter. 